Photograph of a local fire department conducting a fire marshal inspection (field test) on an NFPA 22 equivalent CorGal® fire protection tank in Central Texas. Source: intellectual property of Water Storage Tanks, Inc.

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Fire Protection Tanks

Water Storage Tanks, Inc. provides industry-leading fire tanks, offering a cost-effective and dependable solution for fire suppression systems. Made entirely in the U.S., our CorGal® fire tanks are built to last and offer an industry-leading structural warranty. Our fire tanks provide a modular, quick-to-install, and cost-effective alternative water source that meets NFPA standards.

We engineer CorGal tanks to deliver uncompromised quality and reliability for your fire protection needs.

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What is a Fire Tank and Why Do You Need One?

Fire tanks (or fire protection/suppression tanks) are specialized water storage systems designed to supply reliable water for fire suppression. They support fire sprinkler systems or provide direct access to water for firefighting crews during an emergency. To perform effectively, fire tanks must be engineered to meet standards such as local building codes and NFPA 22, which provides standards for the design and construction of water tanks used in fire protection systems.

Fire tanks are commonly used in rural and suburban areas where municipal water lines may not provide sufficient water volume for firefighting. In some cases, installing a fire tank is a proactive safety measure; in others, it is required by the fire marshal (FM) or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). In either scenario, a properly designed fire tank plays a vital role in protecting property and ensuring emergency readiness.

Are all Metal Water Tanks the Same? 

While all fire tanks are water storage tanks, not all water tanks qualify as fire tanks. Fire tanks must meet strict structural and operational requirements outlined by National Fire Protection Association standards. These requirements include withstanding wind loads, snow loads, appurtenance requirements, and many other criteria.

Standard water tanks that are not engineered to be site-specific for fire protection may fail under these conditions. For example, inadequate venting can create negative pressure and cause structural collapse, or tanks without a seismic rating can fail or shift significantly during ground movement. These risks highlight the importance of using a purpose-built fire tank designed specifically for fire protection applications and your site.

Why Choose CorGal Fire Protection Tanks

Cost-Effective Compliance

CorGal fire tanks provide an economical alternative to concrete tanks, welded steel tanks, or costly upgrades of municipal water infrastructure. Engineered with corrugated galvanized steel, CorGal tanks deliver the strength, durability, and compliance required to meet local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) approvals while reducing overall project costs.

Standing the Test of Time

A fire tank from Water Storage Tanks, Inc. is manufactured to stand the test of time, delivering reliable fire protection through proven materials and experienced craftsmanship. Every CorGal fire suppression tank is made in the U.S. and backed by an industry-leading 30-year manufacturer’s structural warranty. This best-in-class warranty reflects our confidence in a premium product that is custom-designed and engineered for your project.

Engineered for Excellence

Every CorGal fire tank is engineered to be site-specific, ensuring your tank can withstand the unique climatic stresses of your geography, such as seismic activity, wind loads, and snow loads. We provide a comprehensive structural design calculation package (SDCP) from an engineer licensed in your state to facilitate your submittal and permit approval process.

We also work with our customers to create project-specific planset CAD drawings so every detail is accounted for. Our fire protection tanks are proven to comply with and often exceed the requirements of:

  • NFPA 22: Standards for water tanks used in fire protection systems, including load calculations, appurtenance requirements, wind/seismic load requirements, and wind/seismic load resistance.
  • NFPA 1142: Water supplies for suburban and rural firefighting.
  • ASCE 7: Minimum design loads for wind, seismic, snow, and other conditions.
  • IBC: Critical infrastructure requirements for essential structures per IBC 1604.5.

Every Water Storage Tanks, Inc. CorGal fire tank is built to withstand extreme conditions, such as high winds of at least 110 MPH and up to seismic design category F activity, ensuring reliable performance when it matters most.

 

CorGal Fire Tank Specifications & Options

We offer NFPA 22 equivalent* fire tanks in capacities ranging from 700 to over 500,000 gallons, with diameters from 6 to more than 72 feet. For projects requiring larger capacities or custom configurations, our team can design a solution tailored to your exact specifications.

Tanks are typically sized according to national codes and standards such as NFPA 1, NFPA 13, NFPA 1142, or the International Fire Code. Once your required tank size has been determined by a licensed fire protection engineer, designer, or AHJ, we can deliver a customized system that meets both volume and project-specific requirements.

Each tank is modular in design, allowing for efficient transportation and rapid on-site assembly. Compared to alternative systems that may involve high shipping costs or extended construction timelines, our CorGal tanks can be delivered and installed in a matter of days, not months, helping keep your project on schedule.

Our tanks feature a corrugated A572-grade G-115 hot-dipped galvanized steel exterior, providing increased panel strength while minimizing weight, ultimately improving affordability. Panel gauges are adjusted based on project demands to ensure structural integrity and performance.

Want to learn more about our CorGal tanks? Explore our CorGal® tank sizing options, including water tank drawings, gallon capacity, diameter, height, roof options, 3D models, CAD files, and more!

*Corrugated bolted steel tanks are considered ‘Equivalent’ in reference to section 1.4 of NFPA 22. If you’d like to learn more about the difference between compliant vs. equivalent, you can read our article on What Constitutes NFPA 22 Compliance & Equivalency for the International Fire Protection Magazine here.

Flexible Membrane Liners

CorGal Water Tanks feature a flexible membrane liner for water containment. This liner technology is renowned for its versatility and ease of installation. Liners can be custom-fabricated to meet the unique needs of your use case.

When it comes time to repair or replace a liner, this technology facilitates minimal downtime, which may save significant amounts on fire watch expenditures. If you’d like to learn more about our membrane liners, you can view more information on our NFPA 22 Compliance Blog.

Our Interior Flexible Membrane Liner Options Include:

  • PVC Reinforced Liners – Designed for long-lasting water containment with a minimum of 24 mil thickness.
  • NSF-61 Certified Potable Liners – For dual-use and potable water containment applications.
  • Evaloy Liners – Intended for industrial use and handles mildly corrosive applications.
  • Non-Potable Liners – Cost-effective solutions for fire suppression storage.

Common Fire Tank Appurtenances

Appurtenances for fire tanks can vary depending on your system, geography, climate, and other factors. The components below are commonly required to meet your local standards; however, some AHJs may include more or fewer items. Every tank is unique; that’s why we’re here to help you assemble the tank you need.

We have a more detailed write-up in our NFPA 22 requirements blog and our water storage tanks accessories page.

Common Tank Components

  • Anti-Vortex Fitting
  • Roof Vents
  • Water Level Gauges
  • Heating Systems
  • Exterior Ladder with Fall Arrest
  • Internal Access Ladder
  • Access Hatch
  • Lightning Protection
  • Fire Department Connections (FDC’s)
  • OS&Y Valves
  • Platforms & Guardrails

Anatomy of a Tank

Drawing of an NFPA 22 equivalent corrugated bolted steel water storage tank rated for fire protection and fire suppression. As the intellectual property of Water Storage Tanks, Inc., this image is subject to copyright.

Compliance Made Easy

Navigating fire Protection Standards can be complex, but we make it simple. Our team of experts and network of authorized dealers are ready to guide you through:

System Design Blue

System Design

Tailoring fire protection tanks to meet your exact project requirements.

Code Compliance Blue

Code Compliance

Ensuring alignment with NFPA, IFC, IBC, ASCE, AWWA, and Local AHJ/Fire Marshal Regulations.

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Approval Process

Providing detailed documentation and structural calculations from a licensed engineer for seamless permitting. 

With CorGal® tanks, you'll have the confidence to move your project forward without delay.

Custom Solution for Every Application

Image of an NFPA 1142 fire protection tank safeguarding a vineyard in Oregon. Image is the intellectual property of Water Storage Tanks, Inc. and is subject to copyright.

Urban & Rural Fire Protection

Whether you’re enhancing fire safety in a dense urban area or meeting fire code requirements in a remote location, our fire tanks are customizable to suit any project. With a wide range of sizes and accessories, we ensure every fire tank fits seamlessly into your infrastructure.

Image of an NFPA 1142 fire protection dual-use tank safeguarding a winery, bistro, and golf course. Image is the intellectual property of Water Storage Tanks, Inc. and is subject to copyright. As the intellectual property of Water Storage Tanks, Inc., this image is subject to copyright.

Dual-Use Fire Protection Tanks

Maximize your investment with dual-use fire tanks designed to supply water for other applications aside from fire suppression. Utilizing your tank to perform multiple functions for your home or business is a great way to help reduce costs and reach your sustainability goals. Our CorGal Fire Protection tanks can be used for stormwater retention, rainwater harvesting, irrigation, signage, and many other uses in conjunction with their primary responsibilities.

Image of an NFPA 1142 fire protection tank safeguarding a coffee roasting facility in Texas. Image is the intellectual property of Water Storage Tanks, Inc. and is subject to copyright.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options

As a company committed to creating more eco-friendly solutions, our fire protection tanks are designed with sustainability in mind. Every CorGal tank helps conserve water resources, ensure dependable fire safety, and reduces strain on municipal water supplies, all while promoting efficient and responsible water management.

Ensure compliance for your project and learn more about NFPA 22 Equivalency
NFPA 22 Equivalency

Applications of Fire Protection Tanks

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Wildfire Protection

Ensure you’re prepared in wildfire-prone regions with large-capacity fire tanks that meet NFPA 1142 requirements for rural firefighting. Our CorGal fire protection tanks provide immediate access to water with adequate pressure, helping firefighters swiftly and effectively prevent wildfires from spreading.

Commercial and Industrial Facilities

From coffee shops to manufacturing plants, our fire protection tanks deliver the capacity and reliability needed for high-demand fire suppression systems. They are customized to follow any standard or code required by your fire marshal and AHJ, including NFPA 22, NFPA 1142, NFPA 1, IFC, and IBC. Their durability and compliance ensure long-term protection for businesses of all sizes.

2103 24' roof copy

Residential Developments

Safeguard homes and communities with scalable solutions that meet stringent fire safety codes while supporting potable water storage, stormwater management, rainwater harvesting, and irrigation with dual-use fire tanks. These fire tanks provide peace of mind by ensuring a reliable water source for emergency response and everyday household needs.

Custom Signage

Show off your flair using your fire protection tank as signage for your business, city, or organization. Add any creative design you like! With custom branding logos or artistic elements, your fire tank can double as a functional landmark that leaves a lasting memory.

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Watch a Fire Marshal-Supervised Water Flow Test

Why Partner with Water Storage Tanks, Inc.?

Icon of a business professional representing the end-to-end support process of an experienced team from Water Storage Tanks, Inc. As the intellectual property of Water Storage Tanks, Inc., this image is subject to copyright.

End-to-End Support

From project design and compliance to delivery and installation, we are your one-stop solution for fire protection tanks. Have any questions or concerns about fire protection or water storage? Our team of experts is here to help.

Icon of an award ribbon representing the proven expertise of Water Storage Tanks, Inc. Image is subject to copyright.

Proven Expertise

With 20+ years of experience as the first to introduce corrugated bolted steel tanks for fire protection in the U.S. and Canada, we are a pioneer in the fire protection water storage industry. We meet the highest safety, compliance, and sustainability standards. Our president also serves on the NFPA 22 and AWWA 306 committees, meaning you can rest easy with your tank in our hands.

Icon of a global network of persons representing the nationwide network of CorGal® dealer for Water Storage Tanks, Inc. Image is subject to copyright.

Nationwide Network

Our extensive network of CorGal®-Authorized dealers across the U.S. and Canada provides local expertise, quick response times, and reliable support, ensuring you get the best fire protection water storage solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fire tanks used for?

Fire tanks are storage vessels that store water as a source during fire emergencies. They provide reliable water for sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, and can be directly drawn from with proper equipment.

How are fire tanks sized?

Tanks are typically sized according to national codes and standards such as NFPA 1, NFPA 13, NFPA 1142, or the International Fire Code. These standards provide calculations for flow rate and duration requirements for different systems. In most cases, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will provide sizing requirements. If not, it is recommended to consult a fire protection engineering firm to calculate the appropriate capacity.

What is NFPA 22, and how do I comply?

NFPA 22 is a standard developed by the National Fire Protection Association that governs water tanks used in private fire protection systems. To be classified as compliant or equivalent, a fire tank must meet specific requirements related to design, construction, installation, and accessory equipment. All CorGal tanks are considered NFPA 22 equivalent and are engineered to perform reliably in critical situations.

Does the type of my fire tank matter?

Yes. The material of a fire tank is a critical factor in both design and performance. NFPA 22 outlines requirements for materials such as steel, wood, concrete, coated fabric, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Each material has different performance characteristics, cost implications, and code requirements depending on project location and system requirements.

Are bolted, corrugated steel fire tanks NFPA 22 compliant?

Corrugated steel fire tanks are commonly referred to as “equivalent” under NFPA 22 standards. Equivalency means they meet the intent of the standard, while using an alternative design approach. For more details on compliant versus equivalent when referencing NFPA 22, refer to our article with the National Fire Protection Magazine.

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Protect what matters most with a CorGal® fire protection tank.