This NATO Battle Tank Was Rebuilt to Fight Chemical Fires
- Fred Grinnell
- Nov 16, 2013
- 2 min read

Most people see an old battle tank and think of military history. At Flameout, we saw something else...an opportunity to redefine how we fight the most extreme fires on Earth. In the wake of 9/11, when homeland defense and emergency preparedness were top priorities, we set out to create a powerful, highly mobile fire suppression vehicle that could respond where traditional fire trucks could not.
That vision led to one of our boldest innovations yet: transforming a NATO battle tank into an unstoppable firefighting machine.
Engineered for Industrial and Chemical Fire Emergencies
This vehicle is not a concept. It is a fully functioning emergency response platform built to perform under the harshest conditions. The tank features:
High-volume water and foam cannons
A 5,000-gallon onboard supply of water and firefighting foam
Advanced thermal cameras and remote operation systems
Full heat-shielding and armored protection
Off-road speed capability of up to 40 miles per hour
Precision steering with the ability to turn in place
Flameout designed this vehicle to push directly into hazardous fire zones, suppressing fires that would typically endanger multiple crews and standard apparatus.
Real-World Testing with the Houston Fire Department
To validate its capabilities, we partnered with the Houston Fire Department and KHOU Channel 11 to demonstrate the tank in action. The footage shows the tank performing flawlessly in mock disaster scenarios, proving that it can respond quickly, safely, and effectively to refinery fires, chemical plant incidents, and other industrial emergencies.
The Future of Fire Suppression Begins Here
Refinery and chemical fires are becoming more frequent and more dangerous. Traditional firefighting methods often struggle to match the speed and intensity of these incidents. The Flameout firefighting tank offers a new path forward...a rugged, reliable, and remote-capable solution that can protect both personnel and property in high-risk zones.
This vehicle represents more than innovation. It is proof that Flameout leads the way in extreme fire protection for the industrial and energy sectors.
Watch the Tank in Action
We captured the development and field testing of this project in a short video with news channel KHOU 11 that shows the tank's power, mobility, and advanced systems.
Get in touch with us today and let’s start building the right solution together!
At Flameout Fabrication and Design, we specialize in creating fire protection systems tailored to the unique demands of industrial operations. Whether you're in the early planning stages or ready to move forward with a request for proposal, our team is here to help.
We would love the opportunity to learn more about your facility and discuss how our products and services can meet your specific needs. From custom system design to product recommendations and detailed quotes, we are ready to support you every step of the way.
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