Fire Trucks

Fire trucks are used in emergency situations to get firefighters and water to the scene of a fire. Fire trucks are used to save lives and protect property. Fire trucks are also used to carry water and other equipment used during firefighting operations. Fire trucks have many uses, but the most common is to transport firefighters and water.

There are two main types of fire trucks. Type 1 fire trucks are compact rescue engines, while Type 2 vehicles are heavier-duty and ideal for wildland fires. They have smaller water tanks and pumps but are still highly maneuverable. They are often the first to arrive on a scene, and can put out the fire until other support units arrive. These vehicles usually carry three to four firefighters and are equipped with circular saws and other firefighting gear.

Unlike other vehicles, fire trucks are equipped with breathing apparatus and snorkels. They are used to save lives, contain fires and ventilate buildings. They can also help provide emergency first aid and medical treatment to people who have been injured. Although fire trucks are mostly used for extinguishing fires, they can also rescue people who are trapped in burning buildings.

Fire trucks are custom-built and feature several safety features. The cab of a fire truck houses the driver and captain, while the back section holds the crew. Special seats are designated for SCBA equipment, allowing crew members to “gear up” and store their equipment. Many fire trucks come equipped with built-in headsets for the firefighter’s communication. They also have high-tech communications systems. A fire truck’s safety equipment is essential for a firefighter’s safety.

Fire trucks also feature water tanks to help fight fires. Some fire trucks feature articulating ladders. These ladders can extend as far as 105 feet. Unlike traditional platform ladders, articulating booms allow firefighters to go “up and over” obstacles. Firefighter trucks also carry ladders and first aid supplies.

As the need for firefighting equipment increased in the twentieth century, fire trucks began to become more sophisticated. As cities continued to grow, fires became more common at higher heights and more firetrucks needed to be more powerful and more effective. During this period, the development of ladder trucks began. In the early twentieth century, skyscrapers became the defining feature of American cities, and civic fighters realized that a new firefighting apparatus would be needed to meet the challenges of the new century.

Fire trucks should also be equipped with first aid supplies and “jaws of life” devices. A fire truck may also have a fixed ladder that includes a nozzle at the top. These devices make it easier to apply water to the area that is burning. They should be equipped with a hose reel for easy deployment and storage.

Type 1 fire trucks are the most common type of fire trucks used in emergency situations. They carry all the NFPA equipment and are often the first to arrive at the scene of a fire. They are also equipped with a minimum 300 gallon water tank. Some even have 400 or 500-gallon water tanks.