Types of Fire Trucks

A fire truck is an emergency vehicle that can transport firefighters and carry a wide range of equipment. Fire trucks are equipped with emergency lights and sirens to warn people of their presence, plus they have tools like water tanks, pumps, hoses and ladders to assist in firefighting and rescue missions. Fire departments use various types of firetrucks to meet their specific needs.

The type of fire truck a fire department chooses will depend on what they need the vehicle to do, such as fight a wildfire or rescue a person trapped in a building. For example, a fire department in a large city might need a firetruck with a turntable ladder to access tall buildings for rescues. Smaller towns may require a truck with a smaller ladder or even a hydraulic rescue device to handle a variety of situations.

Fire trucks are classified according to the NFPA Standard 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, to make sure all departments have the right fire vehicles for their needs. Each fire truck type has different configurations, but most have the same basic features.

Engine trucks, or pumper trucks, are used for general firefighting and can include thermal imaging cameras, self-contained breathing apparatuses, fire hoses of different sizes, water nozzles, foam canisters, ground ladders, fire extinguishers, fire axes, turnout gear and other essential firefighting equipment. The FDNY has 197 engine companies.

Ladder trucks are the firetrucks most people picture when they think of a firetruck, featuring long ladders called aerials that reach high to give firefighters access to burning buildings. The FDNY has 174 ladder companies.

Tanker trucks, or water trucks, are a vital part of firefighting as they can hold thousands of gallons of water. They also have the capability to refill their water tank from nearby hydrants, which can be an important asset in remote areas.

Water supply can be an issue at fire scenes, especially if the building is very tall. Firetrucks like the Pierce Ultra High-Rise Pumper are designed to help firefighters get to the fire quickly with a system that delivers water for fire suppression at heights up to 1378 feet (442 meters).

Some firetrucks are configured as ambulances and can be used to transport critically ill or injured patients. These vehicles can carry a stretcher, oxygen tanks and defibrillators to help stabilize patients while they are being transported to hospital.

Another unique firetruck is a wildland truck, also known as a brush truck. These trucks are usually pick-up trucks that feature 4-wheel drive and can travel over rugged terrain to get to a fire or accident scene quickly. They often have specialized seats that allow the crew to donning their SCBAs and turning them on while still in the vehicle.

Another special firetruck is a command vehicle, which has equipment to communicate with dispatch and other teams at the scene of an incident. They can also store a variety of rescue equipment, including circular saws, cutting torches, cranes, winches and wooden cribbing that is too heavy for ladder trucks or engines to carry.