Types of Fire Trucks

When you hear the word fire truck, you likely think of flashing lights and blaring sirens. However, fire departments use a variety of vehicles to complete their mission. In addition to traditional fire engines, there are specialized rescue trucks and even aerial apparatus vehicles.

Each of these vehicles serves a unique purpose. Read on to learn more about the different types of fire trucks.

Fire Engines

The most recognizable type of fire truck is the fire engine. This vehicle consists of a water tank, water pump and many feet of powerful hoses. Water tanks typically hold anywhere from 500 – 1,500 gallons. The on-board water pump can generate between 1,000 – 2,000 gallons per minute. Some fire engines may also include a fixed deluge gun, which allows firefighters to spray water directly where they are aiming without the need to uncurl hoses. Additionally, these rigs are usually equipped with a deck gun that can spray up to 1,000 gallons per minute.

In urban and suburban departments, fire trucks often have access to hydrant infrastructure that reduces the need for them to carry large amounts of water. However, in rural areas, these vehicles often have larger water tanks to better meet their needs.

Firefighters typically enter fire scenes using the onboard hoses to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading. These hoses can be directed to any part of the scene to help contain and extinguish the flames. To do this, the hoses have nozzles that emit various streams of water at different rates and pressures. Many fire trucks also have foam systems, which are useful in wildland and suburban settings to saturate materials and prevent them from re-igniting.

While you might not see a fire truck on the road every day, they’re crucial for protecting communities from dangerous situations and saving lives. Firefighters put in long hours to serve their community, and they rely on their vehicles to perform their duties safely and efficiently.

Brush Trucks

Unlike other fire trucks, brush trucks are designed for off-road conditions and are built on smaller commercial vehicle chassis. These trucks feature high ground clearance and off-road capabilities for wildland firefighting. They also feature water pumps that are capable of delivering water at high pressures, which can be effective in controlling forest fires.

Command Vehicles

Command vehicles are used by fire officers to manage emergency response operations and serve as mobile command centers. They are equipped with advanced technology that enables firefighters to communicate with each other and coordinate with their teams.

Many firefighters also work on air and marine rescue crews. These vehicles often feature a winch system that can be used to tow damaged cars off the side of the road or pull people out of burning buildings. These vehicles can also be equipped with hydraulic equipment, such as a telescoping ladder that extends from the truck. In addition, these trucks can carry a variety of tools and rescue equipment, such as Hurst tools, ground ladders and specialized saws.