Types of Fire Trucks

Firefighters use a variety of tools to fight the flames and save lives. One of those essential tools is a fire truck. It is the vehicle that sprays water to put out fires and helps firefighters get to the scene quickly. The most common fire trucks you see are called engine trucks. They are often used for structural fires in homes and businesses, but they also help with some medical emergencies. They carry equipment like the Jaws of Life to free trapped victims.

Fire trucks are highly customized and specialized vehicles that can be modified to meet the needs of different firefighting departments. The main differences are based on the type of fires and other tasks that are typically performed in an area. For instance, those working in urban areas may need to transport equipment that can mitigate hazardous materials and perform technical rescue operations, while departments that work in wildland-urban interface may require specialized gear to handle brush fires.

The fire truck you see most commonly is a Type 1 engine, which is mainly used to support firefighting and initial emergency medical services at the site of a structure fire. These vehicles can be seen on the road in cities, towns and rural areas. They are equipped with a pump, water tanks and a deck gun, which can be used to extinguish a fire using water at high pressure. They are usually parked close to the fire to make it easier for firefighters to access the building.

Other types of fire trucks include Types 5, 6, and 7. These are pick-up truck-based and designed to handle the specialized needs of wildland firefighting. They can be found in both metropolitan and rural areas and are able to transport large amounts of water with maneuverability and accessibility that isn’t possible with larger Type 3 fire engines.

In addition to their ability to transport water and other supplies, most fire trucks are fitted with audible warning systems that alert motorists of their presence on the road. These systems are commonly known as sirens and can vary in sound based on the conditions of the roadway and the maneuver being performed.

Firefighters need to be able to operate the fire truck safely, which is why many of them have been given ergonomic features to improve their experience inside the vehicle. These include gripped steps for safe and easy movement around the vehicle and a wraparound dash that provides excellent visibility from all sides of the cab. Some other popular features in modern fire trucks include barrier or full-height cab doors, HAAS Alert collision avoidance technology, and a variety of seating options to ensure that firefighters can find the most comfortable position for their job. The cab is also often outfitted with features to keep the crew safe, including side and front airbags as well as a protective cab enclosure.