Types of Fire Trucks

Fire trucks are the vehicles that are used to transport equipment, water and firefighters to the scene of an emergency. They are an integral part of any fire department’s fleet and must meet stringent NFPA requirements and regulations to ensure the safety of all on-scene personnel.

Different fire trucks serve unique purposes, depending on the specific needs of a department. These vehicles are often used for structural firefighting, rescue operations, vehicle accident response and EMS support. In addition, some are designed to be used for wildland firefighting and have off-road capabilities. Each of these fire trucks has its own unique set of tools and features to serve a particular purpose.

Fire engines are the most common type of fire truck in use today. They are also known as engine company, fire pumper or structural firefighting trucks and are NFPA-certified to deliver the necessary equipment to support a variety of tasks. These trucks are designed to support urban, rural and suburban departments and are the first on-scene at most incidents.

These trucks typically have a tank capacity of 300 to 500 gallons and can pump at least 1,000 gallons per minute (GPM). They also carry basic firefighting tools and ladders, making them a versatile option for most situations. Some fire trucks also include a foam system, which can deploy class A or class B foam to extinguish flammable liquids and materials.

Ladder trucks are specialized fire trucks that allow firefighters to reach high and hard-to-reach places during an emergency. These vehicles usually have an articulating boom, which allows them to bend in one or more directions at the top of the ladder. They are able to extend much further than traditional platform ladders and can provide firefighters with more versatility at the scene of an incident. Many ladder trucks also have a tank capacity of 250 to 350 gallons and can hook up to a pumper truck for additional water delivery if needed.

Utility trucks are designed to support a variety of firefighting, rescue and EMS activities, including but not limited to chemical spill cleanup, traffic control and debris removal. They are designed with off-road capabilities, a utility bed and equipment storage solutions to accommodate various tools and supplies. They can also be equipped with a water pump if they are not serving as a firefighting vehicle.

Command vehicles are designed to help fire officers manage and coordinate emergency response activities at a scene. They are usually equipped with communication systems, mapping tools and other advanced technology to enable fire departments to share information quickly and make informed decisions during a crisis.

While each fire truck has its own unique set of features and capabilities, many manufacturers offer customization options for their firetrucks to better serve local communities. These options may include cab features such as barrier or full-height doors to increase safety during emergency situations, airbags that provide front and rear protection for firefighters, and ergonomic elements to reduce stress on firefighters’ bodies. Additionally, a number of companies offer a range of compartmentation solutions for their fire trucks that support the Carcinogen Awareness & Reduction to Exposure (CARE) initiative.