Types of Fire Trucks

Fire trucks are one of the most crucial pieces of emergency equipment for a fire department. These rigs combine a water tank, pump and enough space for firefighters to carry all the tools they need to get to the scene of an accident and start their work. Depending on what kind of work a fire department needs to do, it may require different types of fire trucks. Whether it’s an engine, tanker, or a firefighting apparatus with unique capabilities like aerial ladders, there are many different kinds of fire trucks that are used to tackle a variety of emergencies.

NFPA standards create a system of classifying fire trucks by type and function to help fire departments find the right vehicles for their needs. These truck types include fire engines, aerial ladder trucks, tankers and specialty rigs designed to handle specific situations like hazmat and major vehicle accidents.

The most common fire truck is an engine, also known as a pumper. This is the type of fire truck you see rushing down the street with its lights and sirens on to rush to an emergency. These are the go-to fire trucks for structure fires and certain medical emergencies, such as a heart attack or stroke. These rigs often carry rescue equipment like ground ladders, various nozzles and forcible entry tools. They also come equipped with a high-performance pump that can deliver water at high pressure to extinguish a fire.

Ladder trucks can be a bit more difficult to spot, but they are also essential for some emergencies. These specialized fire trucks feature a telescoping boom that can extend from the truck. This allows firefighters to access hard-to-reach areas, such as upper floors of a building. They can also be used to reach dangerously hot areas of a fire, such as a ceiling or a rooftop.

Water tenders are another essential firefighting truck. These rigs are often seen in rural environments, where it can be difficult to access water sources. These fire trucks can draw water from hydrants or other water sources and empty it into a portable water tank. It can take less than a minute to fill thousands of gallons from the rig’s fast-drain valves.

Heavy rescue trucks are the big rigs that fire departments use to handle large-scale disasters. These rigs can be loaded with advanced tools for technical rescues and hazmat spills, as well as a command center that allows crew members to stay in communication with each other and dispatch while working at the scene. They can also carry a full complement of Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment. They are often customized with unique markings to distinguish them from other emergency vehicles. Some choose to use classic fire engine red while others, like the Denver Fire Department, opt for white with blue stripes.