Types of Fire Trucks

Fire trucks are one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road. Their bright red color helps them stand out from a crowd and they are equipped with emergency medical equipment to treat injuries or illnesses until the ambulance arrives. The specific equipment that fire trucks carry depends on the needs of the local department, but most include ladders, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatuses and rescue tools. There are many different types of fire trucks, and each has unique design or configuration details that help it serve its community best.

Conventional fire trucks escort firefighters and other emergency crews to the scene of an incident. These vehicles are often large, with Type 1 and 2 fire engines reserved for urban areas and other specialized fire truck models designed to handle the specific needs of local communities. The exact gear that fire trucks carry depends on the specific needs of the local fire department, but they may also come equipped with hydraulic rescue tools and floodlights. They can also be configured to dispense water and foam, with some featuring an articulated boom to get over or around obstacles.

The fire truck is the most common type of firefighting vehicle, and it serves a variety of roles. The most basic fire engine model carries the crew to the site of an emergency, while larger units like Type 2 and 3 can be equipped with hydraulic ladders that extend to reach dangerous locations. Type 4 fire trucks are similar to fire engines but are designed to serve rural areas where it is more common for fires to break out in grassy or wooded terrain.

Some fire departments also use special trucks to transport medical supplies and equipment to the scene of an emergency. These trucks can be equipped with stretchers, oxygen tanks and defibrillators to treat injured or sick people until the ambulance arrives. They can also be used to transport patients to hospitals, with some having a patient compartment that includes a bed and stretcher to help save time while getting the patient to safety.

Firefighting equipment is not limited to fire trucks, and some departments also use boats, helicopters and even electric carts to get into hard-to-reach places. They may also convert cars, utility trucks or other vehicles into firefighting apparatuses. For example, a fire department in Grand Central station converted their four-wheeled Polaris ATV into an emergency vehicle that can be used to haul hoses and other equipment to difficult-to-reach places.

The standardization of fire truck specifications and terminology helps ensure that local communities receive the appropriate response when they request assistance from neighboring fire departments. This ensures that the right resources arrive quickly at the scene, and it also makes it easier for mutual aid organizations to coordinate their support efforts. The HME Type 3 fire truck is a proven performer that meets the demands of the most demanding structural and wildland fleets with a perfect balance of stability, handling, durability and functionality. This premium fire truck is built by industry leader HME Ahrens-Fox and features the latest in fire truck technology.