Fire departments around the country are responsible for putting out an average of 366,600 home structure fires each year, costing taxpayers $7.2 billion in property damage. This staggering number wouldn’t be possible without the heroic efforts of a highly trained and courageous group of men and women, and the modern fire trucks that help them do their job.

A fire truck, also called a firefighting apparatus or a fire engine (UK English), is any vehicle that is customized for use during firefighting operations. The vehicle is equipped with firefighting tools and equipment like ladders, pumps, hoses, and floodlights that are used to fight and rescue victims of a fire. These vehicles are usually equipped with a siren, flashing lights, and other safety features that allow them to be easily identified by drivers of other cars.

The fire trucks that are used by a particular department vary in size, type, and functionality depending on the needs of the local community. Fire trucks that serve urban populations are generally larger than those that service rural communities, and certain types of fire trucks are designed to carry specialized equipment.

Traditional fire trucks are typically painted red to make them easy to see. It is believed that the color was chosen because it stands out against other vehicles on the road, especially at night. However, recent studies have shown that other colors may be just as effective at helping fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to be seen.

One of the most common types of fire trucks is a pumper, or Type 1 fire truck. NFPA standards require this type of fire truck to be equipped with the required firefighting gear and have a water tank that can hold a minimum of 300 gallons. The truck is also equipped with a hydraulic system to deploy firefighting tools like ground ladders and hoses.

Type 1 fire trucks are often the first on the scene of a call, and their capabilities go far beyond structural firefighting to include initial emergency medical services. This is why the truck is equipped with a number of rescue tools like forcible entry devices and chainsaws, as well as full EMS gear, hazmat gear, and advanced life support equipment.

Another type of fire truck that is commonly seen in cities is a ladder truck, or aerial. These trucks are equipped with long ladders that can reach up to high buildings and enable firefighters to access the site of a fire from an elevated position. These trucks are also equipped with a deck gun, which is used to spray thousands of gallons of water per minute onto the fire.

Ladder trucks are often paired with water tenders, which are tanks that store large quantities of water and can be filled at hydrants for quick deployment at the site of a fire. The fire trucks have special fast-drain valves on the sides and back of the truck that allow firefighters to empty thousands of gallons from the tender in just seconds.

A fire extinguisher is a valuable tool in fighting small fires in your home. But before you use it, it is important to know what type of fire your extinguisher is rated for and how to operate it. Also, make sure it is located where you can access it quickly and that everyone in the family knows where it is. This way, you can deploy it before the fire gets too out of hand and you’re not trapped in a smoke-filled room.

Fire extinguishers are generally categorized into three groups: powder-based, liquid-based and foam-based. These are the types that most people are familiar with, but there are some other less common types, such as carbon dioxide and water-based suppressants.

Dry chemical extinguishers use an agent such as monoammonium phosphate, often referred to as ABC or tri-class, to separate the fire’s fuel, heat and oxygen and thus stop the chemical reactions that cause the fire to burn. They can be used on Class A, Class B and Class C fires.

Water-based fire extinguishers use a spray of water to cool and smother the fire, which can be particularly effective on electrical equipment or combustible metals. They have a low power and limited range, so they are typically used on smaller fires.

The simplest form of water-based fire extinguisher is a pressurized container filled with water, which is discharged by a jet nozzle. It can be particularly effective on small electrical fires, as it is not corrosive to electronic components and does not leave any residue.

Foam-based fire extinguishers smother the flames by blocking oxygen and prevents reignition, but are ineffective on burning fats and oils (Class K). They use a combination of chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate or sodium carbonate to produce a thick foam that seals the fire and excludes air.

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is the most widely used type of fire suppressant in airport runways, heliports and docks. It can be used on Class A and Class B fires, but it also has a vapor suppression capability for hazmat incidents.

Clean agents are nonconductive and noncorrosive, so they can be used on delicate and expensive electronic equipment. They discharge as a gas/mist or liquid, and quickly evaporate after use with about twice the range of carbon dioxide. They are also effective on Class B and Class C fires, making them practical for office or large computer equipment rooms.

Unlike other extinguishers, carbon dioxide does not contain any chemical and is therefore non-toxic to humans. It is also the only fire extinguisher listed for use on Class A, Class B and Class C, and can be safely used by the elderly or children. These extinguishers are usually designed with a hose/nozzle, but some are also available with a hand wand for use on hard-to-reach or inaccessible fires.

A fire station (also known as a firehouse or a fire hall) is a building that houses a fire department and the apparatus needed for responding to emergency calls. Fire stations typically include administrative areas, vehicle maintenance bays, equipment storage, and dormitories for firefighters. Some also house ambulances, which are equipped with basic life support and advanced life support equipment for administering first aid to injured civilians.

In larger cities, a fire station may be named for the primary company and apparatus housed there, such as “Ladder Company 8.” Other times, they are named after the settlement, neighborhood or street where they are located, or given a number for easy reference. They are usually located near a street or highway for ease of access by the vehicles. Approaches to the fire station are often posted with warning signs, and traffic signals may be used to control traffic when trucks leave or return.

The firefighting profession became a fully professional operation with the founding of the Metropolitan Fire Department in 1865. Prior to this, firefighting was a volunteer endeavor, with volunteers serving on 24-hour shifts. Following a series of large fires that caused excessive losses and high insurance rates, the city council passed an act to combine Manhattan and Brooklyn into the Metropolitan District, forming the first paid fire departments and requiring all firefighters to serve on a continuous tour of duty with three hours off for meals each day. Military discipline and a system of merit promotion were introduced to the paid department at this time, resulting in more efficient service and reduced fire losses.

While the design of fire stations varies widely, most contain an Apparatus Bay that contains the garage where fire engines and other equipment are kept. This area is typically separate from the main fire station building and includes a heavy-duty lift for loading and unloading of the equipment. It also may contain a washing and drying room for the firefighters’ self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), as well as secure storage for personal belongings and supplies.

Administrative areas at a fire station typically consist of standard offices and conference and training rooms for firefighter training. Some also may have a specialized dispatch room for receiving emergency calls from the public.

A firehouse is a familiar sight in movies and television shows. The 1986 and 1989 comedy films Ghostbusters feature the fictional headquarters of Ladder Company 8 in Tribeca. The 2002 film Brotherhood: Life in the FDNY follows the lives of members of Engine 7/Ladder 1 in Brooklyn, and the 2002 Sesame Street video Elmo Visits the Firehouse has Elmo touring Engine 3 and Ladder Company 26 at their Manhattan firehouse to learn about their jobs. In fact, the oldest FDNY firehouse in NYC, at 4 Centre Street, opened its doors all the way back in 1865. Check it out here.

A firefighter, also known as a fireman (or firewoman) is a public servant who uses rigorous training to control and extinguish fires that threaten lives and property. These individuals are the first responders to emergencies in urban areas and aboard ships. Firefighters also provide emergency medical care to people at the scene of an incident. They work in teams and are on call for 24 hours at a time.

Firefighters use specialized equipment to enter and manage incident sites. Their responsibilities include keeping bystanders away from dangerous items, working with law enforcement to identify criminal activity and direct resources, and coordinating cleanup efforts at the site. They also inspect buildings and structures for safety, such as identifying damaged areas of walls, roofs or foundations. Firefighters may also use hand tools such as axes, sledge hammers or battering rams to break down doors, windows and walls.

When not on call or at an emergency, firefighters perform routine inspections of their equipment and stations. During this time, they eat and sleep and remain on call for their next shift. They also participate in drills and presentations to educate the community about fire safety.

The most common reason for firefighter deaths in 2023 was overexertion or other stress-related injuries. Other reasons included heart attacks and homicides.

To become a firefighter, one must undergo extensive training at a fire academy or other state-approved program. These programs are designed to teach firefighters about fire safety, how to handle their equipment and how to perform basic emergency medical care. The program also includes physical fitness tests to ensure that a candidate is physically capable of performing his or her duties.

After completing training, an individual must pass a certification exam. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions and is followed by a physical examination with tasks such as climbing stairs, dragging hoses and lifting heavy objects. During the test, an individual wears firefighting gear and is evaluated by a panel of firefighters.

Once a firefighter is certified, he or she must complete continuing education courses to maintain his or her certification. The amount of education required varies depending on the state and employer. Continuing education helps firefighters stay up to date on changes in the industry and improve their performance at the fire department.

Because of the demanding nature of their job, firefighters must be healthy and strong to perform well. They must be able to work under pressure and think quickly, especially in fast-paced situations. They must be able to work in teams and communicate clearly. These traits make firefighters a vital part of any team.