To be considered a quint, an apparatus must have a minimum tank size of:

A quint is a type of fire apparatus that combines the features of a fire engine and a ladder truck. For a vehicle to be classified as a quint, it must meet certain criteria, one of which includes having a specific minimum water tank capacity. The correct answer states that a quint must have a minimum tank size of 300 gallons.

This specification is crucial because the water supply is an essential component of firefighting operations. A 300-gallon tank provides enough water for initial attack operations at the scene of a fire before additional resources can arrive. This capacity supports the versatility of the quint, allowing it to function effectively as both an engine, capable of providing water, and as a ladder truck, which can deliver aerial operations.

Understanding this requirement emphasizes the operational readiness and capability of quints in firefighting scenarios, where both sufficient water supply and the ability to reach elevated areas are vital for effective fire suppression.