What Are Fire Trucks?

Fire trucks are large vehicles that combine a water tank and pump, firefighting equipment and tools, and enough room to transport firefighters and tools to the scene of an emergency. These rigs are usually equipped with emergency lights and sirens, as well as communication tools like two-way radios to allow constant communication between the firefighting team and dispatchers at the fire station.

A fire truck typically carries a water supply, and firefighters use a pump to apply water to a fire at high pressure. The rigs also include an aerial ladder for firefighters to access a building. They can carry a variety of equipment, including hand tools, chainsaws and more. They are used to combat both structural and wildfires, and they may also be used for certain medical emergencies.

Different fire departments require a specific set of equipment to address their unique circumstances. This is why NFPA created fire engine types, so that departments can find the right apparatus to suit their needs. For instance, a municipal fire department will likely focus on battling structure fires, while an airport fire truck may need to carry additional tools for mitigating hazardous materials and effecting technical rescues.

The NFPA has created a system for classifying fire engines by type and function. The standard includes an overview of all the requirements that each fire vehicle must meet, and a list of what they can do to effectively fight fires. It also helps establish a universal language for communicating with other departments about the capabilities of their fire trucks.

Among the most common fire trucks are the long aerial ladder trucks you see driving down the road. These are known as Type 1 fire engines and are designed to fight fires in buildings, such as homes or offices. These trucks are also able to handle certain medical emergencies that need more firefighting expertise than an ambulance can provide.

Other fire trucks are designed to tackle wildfires or other natural disasters. For example, a wildland fire engine or brush truck is designed to travel in rough terrain and reach remote locations. It may have smaller water tanks and pumps, but it will often include a foam system and tools that are effective in wildfire suppression.

Fire departments also have the option of using an electric fire truck, which has several advantages over traditional gas-powered models. For one, it can reduce emissions and air pollution, which benefits the environment. Additionally, these vehicles can save money on fuel and maintenance costs. They can also be equipped with storage solutions that help reduce firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens, which is crucial for their long-term health and safety.