Fire Engines

Most little boys want to be a firefighter when they grow up. These brave men and women have the respect of their communities. Of course, they need the right equipment and fire engines have evolved over the years to help them do their job. They are used to put out fires and rescue people from a variety of situations. They are even used as water cannons on occasion to disperse crowds. They generally have an on board water supply, various tools, axes and fire extinguishers.

Fire trucks differ from engines in some regard. They don't have their own water supply and must connect to a water hydrant. They have heavier tools and a range of emergency equipment. They carry longer ladders, a hydraulic platform and have a turntable ladder sometimes. A Tiller Truck is used in some cities where there are narrow streets, other trucks would find difficult to maneuver in.

Different circumstances require specialist equipment. Sometimes, basic equipment is not enough. The Wildland Fire Engine is designed to go over rough terrain in mountainous or rural areas. The suspension handles dirt roads; they have four-wheel drive and a high wheel clearance. There are other specialist vehicles that are used for other conditions such as heavy snowfall. Brush Trucks are designed to go into forests and wooded areas. Fires at airports have Airport Crash Tenders on stand by.

Rescue situations in high buildings very often require a telescopic aerial platform ladder. These can reach to 33 meters (110 feet) and sometimes carry a hydraulic arm to go over rooftops. They have lighting equipment and the means to take a stretcher over the platform. Some of these platforms can be operated by remote control in the case of hazardous, chemical fires.

Not all call outs are for putting out fires or doing rescues. Some fire engines transport paramedics to emergency medical situations because it is quicker than calling out an ambulance in some areas.

A steady progression can be traced throughout history with regard to fire engines and their equipment. The first hand pumped engine operated in Philadelphia as early as 1719. Men propelled the earliest engines, before they became horse drawn. Then in 1841, a steam engine was constructed in New York. Motorized vehicles began to be part of the service from the early 20th century. The safety of the crew was addressed when it was decided that they would no longer stand at the rear of the engines. Most firefighters today are able to sit inside.

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