Types of Fire Trucks

The fire trucks of a fire department are specialized vehicles that house pumps, water tanks, hoses and ladders to help firefighters fight and rescue from emergencies like raging wildfires or saving lives in the event of a structure fire. These large machines also have equipment like firefighter-specific seats that allow them to don their SCBA, as well as special headsets that allow crew members to communicate with each other and dispatch as they travel to the scene of an emergency.

As firefighters gear up and prepare to go to an emergency, they load the fire truck with equipment and drive to the scene, often following emergency lights and sirens to alert people of their presence. The cab holds the captain and driver, while the back of the truck holds the rest of the crew. Each member dons their specialized gear including their air packs, and the crew can take turns driving the fire truck while others work on the ground.

The first type of fire truck created was the pumper, also known as an engine, that was hand pumped and could hold water for the bucket brigade when it arrived on the scene of a fire in colonial America. The earliest models could only carry about 300 gallons, but as technology evolved they increased in capacity. Fire engines have been the primary means of delivering water to fires for years, and some even come equipped with pumps that can draw from hydrants for an on-board water supply.

A fire truck manufacturer can customize a vehicle to meet the unique needs of an individual city or town. For example, a fire truck can be configured with an auxiliary pump instead of the main water pump, which allows firefighters to walk alongside the fire truck while the driver continues to drive. This method is especially useful for firefighters battling wildfires where they need to move fast to create fire lines, or wet down areas ahead of an advancing fire.

Some pumper fire trucks also have a deluge gun, which is located above the main water tank and can spray a large amount of water on a fire from a high elevation. Other features include bundled hose packs that can be quickly attached to the main hose line, and pre-connects that make it easier for firefighters to use hoses.

Another type of fire truck is the aerial ladder, which is an elevated hose and nozzle system that can be raised to reach a fire from above. The hose and nozzles can be mounted on the side of the truck or on the rear, allowing the ladder to be extended horizontally as well as vertically.

Fire trucks also have compartments for tools like axes, hydraulic tools and forcible entry gear. Fire departments can also equip their trucks with specialty items like hazmat equipment, full EMS gear and additional structural or ballistic gear as needed. For example, many fire departments have a “buddy system” in which one team of two firefighters enters a hazardous area while the other team stays outside to rescue them if they need assistance.