Types of Fire Trucks

A fire truck is a vital piece of equipment for keeping people safe. They can provide the water, tools and firefighting capabilities needed to quickly respond to emergencies such as a house fire or major vehicle accident. Each type of firetruck serves a specific purpose and is designed to meet the needs of its local community.

Municipal fire trucks can be found in cities, towns and villages across the country. These vehicles are able to maneuver into narrow city streets and often have extended ladders to access elevated buildings. They are also equipped with a variety of tools such as ground ladders, nozzles and forcible entry equipment. Most of these fire apparatus can carry up to four firefighters.

Airport fire trucks are built to handle the unique challenges of fighting a wildfire or rescuing victims from aircraft disasters. These specialty vehicles can have a high-speed pump capable of delivering more than 4,500 gallons of water in seconds. They also have the ability to reach the scene of an emergency much faster than a municipal fire truck due to their unique design and custom-engineered engines such as the Oshkosh Striker 8×8.

Specialty rescue fire trucks can be used for technical rescue operations such as building collapses, hazardous materials spills and multi-vehicle accidents. These vehicles are typically equipped with advanced tools and command capabilities that allow them to function as a mobile command center. They are also capable of transporting injured personnel to nearby hospitals.

When responding to an emergency, a firetruck’s audible warning systems help drivers and pedestrians notice it on the road. These can include mechanical bells, electronic sirens or sound modules that can change sounds depending on the type of emergency being responded to. For example, when driving in fast-moving traffic, a firetruck can use a long up and down variation to sound the siren, whereas a lower, continuous sound can be used for slower traffic conditions.

In addition to their standard firefighting capabilities, fire trucks are equipped with many other features that can make them more comfortable for firefighters to travel in and operate. They may have barrier or full-height cab doors. They can also offer ergonomic elements such as easy-to-clean cab surfaces and seating options that are compliant with the CARE (Carcinogen Awareness & Reduction to Exposure) initiative.

Fire departments need the right fire trucks to protect their communities, and Fouts Fire is here to assist them in finding the right vehicle for their fleet. We have an extensive inventory of new and used fire trucks to meet the varied needs of fire departments around the country. Contact us today to learn more about our fire trucks and how they can help you improve your fleet operations.