Types of Fire Trucks

Fire trucks are the backbone of any fire department’s fleet, transporting firefighters and their gear to and from emergency scenes. While many fire departments rely on the same types of vehicles, each has unique needs for its firefighting operations and the equipment it utilizes. This is why there are so many different fire truck configurations to choose from, each tailored to the environment it’s built to serve.

Whether it’s fighting wildfires in the mountains or saving lives from a deadly house fire, each type of fire truck is built to tackle the different scenarios that firefighters face daily. In addition to specialized tools and equipment, each fire truck also contains storage solutions to keep crew members organized. This helps ensure that important equipment is always within easy reach, reducing the time it takes to retrieve tools and gear when needed.

When most people think of a fire truck, they imagine a vehicle equipped with a fire hose and water tank. These trucks are known as fire engines or pumpers, and they’re the first ones on the scene when fighting an active fire. They feature onboard pumps that draw water from nearby hydrants or fire ponds, and they’re able to supply water at high pressures to the flames in order to extinguish them. Some fire engines are also equipped with ground ladders, aerial ladders, and a variety of lengths of hoses.

Another common fire truck configuration is a rescue vehicle, which features a full complement of tools and equipment that aren’t transportable on engine trucks or fire towers. These can include items like circular saws, cutting torches, cranes, high-lift jacks, winches and generators, as well as wooden cribbing and the jaws of life. The configuration of a rescue vehicle may vary depending on the specific fire department’s needs, but most include at least basic emergency response equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), chainsaws and some level of forcible entry equipment.

An aviation fire truck, or aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, is a specially configured vehicle that’s designed to assist with airport emergencies. These are typically station wagon-style vehicles with the ability to carry a variety of firefighting and rescue equipment as well as a crew of up to six firefighters.

Many fire departments use ARFF vehicles when responding to large industrial or airport fires, and they’re often used for structural collapse incidents. They’re typically based on commercial 4×4 chassis and feature high maneuverability to help them manage off-road and variable terrain. While they’re not as powerful as a fire engine or ladder truck, they offer the speed and agility required to handle rapidly evolving situations. This type of fire truck also includes storage for additional tools and equipment, including hazmat equipment, advanced life support equipment and more.