The Different Types of Fire Trucks

Firefighters must be ready to respond to a variety of emergencies, from car accidents and medical incidents to wildfires and building rescues. These firefighters rely on their vehicles to transport them to the scene and provide them with the equipment they need to complete their duties. Fire trucks, also called fire apparatus or fire engines, come in a wide range of configurations depending on the community they serve. Regardless of the type of fire truck, each one features emergency lights and sirens that signal that it is on its way to a call.

Firetrucks typically have a ladder mounted to the vehicle, which can extend up to 100 feet or more, and is used to access the roof or exterior of a building to put out the fire or assist with other operations like ventilation and technical cliff or trench rescues. Some of the most important tools in a firefighter’s arsenal include axes, specialized saws and ropes and harnesses for various situations. Other crucial equipment may include ground ladders, water hoses with different configurations and nozzles and the firefighter’s personal protective gear like masks, helmets and gloves.

Some fire trucks also have a fixed deluge gun, which allows the operator to direct a heavy stream of water anywhere on the scene with a simple turn of the valves. The onboard water supply is usually augmented with additional water tanks for greater capacity. The truck can also be connected to hydrants or a water tender to use more permanent sources of water.

A fire engine is often the most recognizable piece of firefighting equipment you see on the road. It is typically equipped with a pump, water tank and a large ladder. The truck can also be modified to meet specific needs of a department, such as specialized rescue tools for hazardous materials or technical rescue situations.

Municipal fire trucks can also be configured with different levels of water capacity to meet the needs of a particular community. For example, an urban fire apparatus that responds to a high volume of emergency calls in a busy downtown area may require a smaller truck with a shorter ladder that is easier to maneuver in tight spaces. A suburban fire department, on the other hand, may need a larger truck that can carry more water for large emergencies.

Regardless of the type of firetruck, each one must be safe to operate and protect its crew from the dangers of the job. Many modern firetrucks are designed with features that improve driver safety and comfort, including airbags, barrier or full-height cab doors and ergonomic elements to reduce stress on firefighters during transit. The cabs also have built-in headsets to allow the captain and other crew members to communicate clearly during their journey to an emergency. Other features include a clean cab initiative to help minimize exposure to carcinogens while maintaining a sanitary work environment for all of the crew members.