Types of Fire Trucks

A fire truck carries important equipment to aid firefighters on the scene. From pumps and water tanks to ladders and hoses, these vehicles help firefighters combat a fire, rescue trapped victims and provide emergency medical services for patients. A fire truck typically features a siren and flashing lights to alert people of its presence and allow drivers to safely maneuver through traffic. Some fire trucks also have a number of different audible warnings that can be activated depending on the situation.

The most common type of fire truck is a Type 1 fire engine, which is used to support urban, rural and suburban departments. These vehicles are designed to carry all of the required NFPA firefighting tools for structural firefighting and initial Emergency Medical Service response. These vehicles are capable of delivering multiple hose lines at different rates and pressures, and some feature a specialized foam system to combat Class A or Class B fires.

Many Type 1 fire trucks are equipped with an aerial ladder to reach difficult-to-reach areas. These units are commonly referred to as quints, and they allow firefighters to access a high point to fight fires and rescue victims. Most aerial ladders can be hooked up to a pumper to provide water as needed.

An additional vehicle that is sometimes added to a fire department’s fleet is a tanker, which is used for only one purpose: sending water to the scene. These trucks have large water tanks that can be filled from nearby fire hydrants or bodies of water, and they can easily connect to a fire engine to supply water as necessary.

Often, tankers are equipped with fast-drain valves that can empty thousands of gallons in seconds to assist firefighters in a hurry. Some tankers are even equipped with a hydraulic lift to allow them to load and unload water quickly.

Some manufacturers, including Rosenbauer, offer customized fire trucks based on each fire department’s needs. Each vehicle is designed with specific hose and water tank sizes, and it can be configured with a wide variety of tools and features. This customization allows a fire department to create the perfect rig to meet its unique requirements and respond efficiently in any emergency situation.

In addition to fire trucks that can be used for fire suppression and emergency medical responses, some are equipped to handle other situations, such as car accidents. These rigs can be equipped with a boom and winch to help remove people from cars that have been involved in an accident. They can also be used to extract trees and other large debris that might be blocking a roadway.

Several fire departments around the country use their fire trucks for other purposes, as well. For example, some departments use their fire trucks to transport equipment for their utility businesses, such as landscaping or electrical companies. Other fire trucks are used as props on airsoft fields or for other purposes at local events. If you use your fire truck for a non-firefighting purpose, it may require a special license and might not be eligible to be exempt from CDL regulations.