Many fire departments have several different types of fire trucks. The main types are (1) engines, (2) ladder trucks, and (3) rescue trucks.
Engines have a large pump that takes water from a fire hydrant or other source. The pump boosts the pressure of the water and forces it through hoses. Engines carry several sizes of hoses and nozzles. Many also have a small-diameter hose called a booster line, which is wound on a reel. The booster line is used chiefly to put out small outdoor fires. Engines used for fighting grass or brush fires carry a tank of water and such tools as shovels and rakes.
Ladder trucks. There are two kinds of ladder trucks-aerial ladder trucks and elevating platform trucks. An aerial ladder truck has a metal extension ladder mounted on a turntable. The ladder can be raised as high as 100 feet (30 meters), or about eight stories. An elevating-platform truck has a cagelike platform that can hold several people. The platform is attached to a lifting device that is mounted on a turntable. The lifting device consists of either a hinged boom (long metal arm) or an extendable boom made of several sections that fit inside each other. The boom on the largest trucks can extend 150 feet (46 meters). A built-in hose runs the length of the boom and is used to direct water on a fire. In most cases, a pump in a nearby engine generates the pressure needed to spray the water. However, ladder trucks called quints have their own pumps.
Ladder trucks are equipped with portable ladders of various types and sizes. They also carry forcible entry tools, which firefighters use to gain entry into a building and to ventilate it to let out smoke. Common forcible entry tools include axes, power saws, and sledge hammers.
Rescue trucks are enclosed vehicles equipped with many of the same kinds of forcible entry tools that ladder trucks carry. But rescue trucks also carry additional equipment for unusual rescues. They have such tools as oxyacetylene torches, for cutting through metal, and hydraulic jacks, for lifting heavy objects.
Rescue trucks may also carry other hydraulic tools. With a hydraulic rescue tool, commonly known by the trade name Jaws of Life, firefighters can apply a large amount of pressure to two objects to squeeze them together or pry them apart. The tool is often used to free people trapped in automobiles and other vehicles after an accident. Rescue trucks also carry small hand tools, such as crowbars and saws, and ropes and harnesses for rescuing people from water or high places. In addition, they carry medical supplies and equipment.
Special fire vehicles include airport crash trucks and hazardous materials trucks. Airport crash trucks are engines that spray foam or dry chemicals on burning aircraft. Water is ineffective against many aircraft fires, such as those that involve jet fuel, gasoline, or certain metals.
Hazardous-materials units carry tools to stop gas leaks, and supplies to absorb or clean up spills of dangerous liquids or solids. These trucks also have equipment to prevent the spread of liquid spills that can contaminate the environment. Hazardous materials include pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals as well as gasoline, natural gas, and other fuels. Many hazardous-materials emergencies involve truck or train wrecks in which a dangerous substance is accidentally spilled.
