Types of Fire Trucks

Firefighters work long hours, often in dangerous and challenging situations. They also spend much of their time maintaining and preparing their vehicles, which are often referred to affectionately as “the rig” or even “Big Red.” Fire trucks are an integral part of firefighting, providing the mobility and tools firefighters need to get to a scene quickly and efficiently. While the specific design and configuration of fire trucks can vary, all are able to transport firefighters and provide them with water for fire suppression.

The type of fire truck that is needed depends on the nature of the emergency. For example, structural fires require a fire engine that can transport firefighters and provide basic tools for fighting the flames and rescuing trapped victims. Likewise, an aerial ladder truck is designed to reach places that are difficult to access with the use of a ladder.

Each fire department has a number of different types of fire trucks to meet its own specific needs. A fire truck’s NFPA classification is based on its size, pump capacity and the equipment it can carry.

A fire engine is the most common and versatile type of fire truck used today. It carries the necessary equipment for both structural firefighting and initial emergency medical response, including a medically equipped ambulance. This vehicle is usually the first on the scene in urban areas and can handle most structural emergencies.

Some fire engines have large water cannons that shoot a powerful stream of water, while others have “preconnects,” or hoses already attached to the tank, to allow firefighters to start spraying water more quickly. A standard fire engine may also be equipped with a pumper, or a hydraulic platform that can move around the side of the truck to facilitate rescues in tight spaces.

Ladder trucks, sometimes referred to as Quints or quins, feature ladders that extend off the sides of the truck, reaching up to multistory buildings and other elevated locations for firefighting or rescue. The ladder systems on these trucks are operated by hydraulic piston rods that can raise and lower the ladder, or extend it to different lengths. Ladders on these vehicles can be as tall as 110 feet.

Depending on the terrain where they operate, some fire departments use special wildland fire engines. These mid-sized trucks are designed to drive on rough terrain and maneuver in wildland settings. They can also carry more water than a standard fire engine because they have larger tanks and a pump that is rated to deliver more water per minute than a standard pumper.

Other fire trucks are designed to support wildland firefighting, and include specialized equipment for forestry and agricultural incidents. These vehicles are sometimes referred to as brush or wildland fire engines, and can be used in combination with other fire fighting tactics such as retardant drops and fire suppression hoses. Firefighters are also able to use these vehicles for wildland fires in towns and cities that border natural wilderness areas.