Types of Fire Trucks

There are many different types of fire trucks, or fire apparatus (UK) that fire departments use to respond to emergency calls. These vehicles are highly specialized and can be configured to meet the specific needs of each community, depending on whether they specialize in structural firefighting, technical rescue or EMS services. They also differ based on their ability to transport equipment, including SCBA air packs and other protective clothing.

To help firefighters safely and quickly get to the scene of an emergency, most fire trucks are fitted with audible warnings. These can take the form of mechanical bells or electronic sirens that can be programmed to emit different sounds based on the type of maneuver being performed or traffic conditions. For example, when a truck is traveling on clear roads at normal speed, a “wail” setting may be used, while in heavy, slow road traffic, a sound like a yelp or chirp could be activated.

A fire truck’s hoses are essential for transferring water from the tank to the fire area, and they can be equipped with different nozzles that are designed for specific uses. Some nozzles can spray water at different angles, and others are specifically designed for cutting through steel or other materials in order to access the interior of structures. A fire engine can also carry ground ladders, various axes and rescue ropes.

Some fire trucks are even more specialized and can be used to perform certain tasks such as vehicle accident response or hazardous materials incidents. These specialty vehicles may feature specialized tools, including circular saws, cutting torches, cranes, winches, generators and wooden cribbing, which are often too large for traditional fire engines or ladder trucks to transport.

Another type of firetruck is the water tender, which is a specialist vehicle for transporting large quantities of water to be used in firefighting operations. These vehicles are particularly useful in rural areas where the infrastructure for connecting to fire hydrants is either insufficient or impractical. They also serve as a backup when water supplies in the area are threatened by wildfires.

Most fire trucks are designed to allow firefighters to gear up and donning their air packs in the cab. This allows the team to quickly reach the scene of an emergency and start their work as soon as possible. They can then return to the firetruck to swap out their equipment and re-do their SCBAs, reducing the amount of time spent on the job.

The different types of fire trucks are classified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), creating a universal language that helps fire departments find an apparatus that is right for them. The NFPA’s standards also help create a more cohesive network for firefighting support across the nation. Firetrucks are highly customizable, and a Pierce Manufacturing sales representative can help you configure your vehicle to best meet your needs. For more information, contact us today.