Types of Fire Trucks

When you hear the term “fire truck,” the image that comes to mind is often of the long aerial ladder trucks seen rushing to fires or other emergency scenes. However, there are many different types of fire trucks, with each configured to meet specific needs of the community. Fire departments use these vehicles to transport firefighters and equipment, as well as provide essential services like water delivery, fire suppression and rescue. The type of truck a fire department chooses depends on the areas in which they operate, what type of equipment is required for certain emergencies and their budget.

A firefighter’s primary tool for fighting fires is water. It’s important for the truck to be able to deliver this resource quickly when arriving at an emergency scene. The amount of water the truck can pump depends on how accessible fire hydrants are in the area and how much water the fire department needs to get the job done.

In addition to a water tank and pump, fire trucks are equipped with a wide range of tools and equipment. This can include self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), chainsaws, full EMS gear, forcible entry equipment, hazmat response equipment and other items unique to the fire department.

Another component of a fire truck is a hose line. These lines connect to various nozzles on the truck, which can spray water at different rates and pressures depending on the type of nozzle and length of the hose. The type of hose and rate at which water is sprayed also impacts how effective it is in suppressing a fire.

The amount of hose on a fire truck is based on the size and layout of the city’s buildings, as well as the availability of fire hydrants in the vicinity. A fire department may also choose to equip its trucks with preconnects, which make it easier for firefighters to connect the hose lines from the truck to a hydrant and stop or start the flow of water.

The type of firefighter’s cab on a truck will also vary depending on the situation. For example, an aerial ladder truck has a specific type of cab that makes it possible to extend the ladder in a specific direction at the push of a button. Other specialized cabs can accommodate a specific number of firefighters. Fire departments that work in urban settings may also choose to install a hose bed in their truck, which provides quick access to the hydrant when responding to emergency calls. This can save time and help prevent injuries to firefighting personnel by reducing the need for them to leave their vehicle to get water from a hydrant. Fire departments that deal with wildfires often opt for fire engines with a large water tank to allow for maximum pump capacity. This allows them to take on more fires and respond to larger incidents with less crew members. This configuration is also more maneuverable, which is an important consideration when fighting a wildfire.