All About Fire Trucks: The Big Helpers That Save Lives

Fire trucks are big red trucks that help put out fires. They come in many types. Each type does a special job. Let’s learn about these big helpers!

What Is a Fire Truck?

A fire truck is a big vehicle that firefighters use. It has tools to fight fires and save people. Most fire trucks are red or yellow. They have loud sirens and bright lights. When you hear them, you should move over to let them pass.

Most Common Types of Fire Trucks

There are many kinds of fire trucks. Each one has a special job. Here is a list of the most common types:

Type 1 Fire Trucks

Type 1 fire trucks are the most common kind you see. They work in cities, towns, and farms . These big trucks carry:

• Water
• Hoses
• Ladders
• Medical kits

Type 1 trucks can fight fires in buildings. They can also help sick or hurt people . More than 80% of fire stations have Type 1 trucks .

Type 2 Fire Trucks

Type 2 fire trucks are a bit smaller. They help at car crashes and in small towns . These trucks have:

• Tools to cut cars
• Medical supplies
• Smaller water tanks
• Lots of storage space

About 15-20% of fire departments use Type 2 trucks . They fit in tight spots where big trucks can’t go.

Wildland Fire Trucks (Type 3 and Type 4)

These trucks fight fires in forests and fields. They have special features:

• Four-wheel drive to go off road
• Big water tanks (2,000+ gallons)
• Tools for cutting trees and brush

In the western United States, these trucks are very important. Type 4 trucks make up 30% of wildland fire trucks .

Pumper Trucks

Pumper trucks are the workhorses of fire departments. They pump water from fire hydrants to put out fires . They have:

• Strong pumps
• Water tanks (500-1,500 gallons)
• Long hoses

Almost all fire departments (90%) have pumper trucks .

Ladder Trucks

Ladder trucks have tall ladders that reach up high. They help save people from tall buildings . These trucks have:

• Ladders that stretch 75-100 feet high
• Water nozzles at the top
• Rescue baskets

Big cities usually have 2-3 ladder trucks .

Rescue Trucks

Rescue trucks help people who are stuck or trapped. They don’t always fight fires. Instead, they carry:

• Tools to cut metal
• Cameras that see through smoke
• Medical equipment
• Ropes and harnesses

About 25% of special fire trucks are rescue trucks .

Quint Fire Trucks

Quint trucks do five jobs! The word “quint” means “five.” These trucks can:

1. Pump water
2. Store water
3. Carry hoses
4. Extend ladders
5. Carry rescue tools

Smaller towns like quint trucks because they save money. One quint truck can do the job of two regular trucks, saving about 40% in costs .

Heavy Rescue Trucks

Heavy rescue trucks help in big emergencies like:

• Building collapses
• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Big car crashes

Only about 10% of fire departments have these trucks because they cost over $800,000 each .

Fire Truck Types and Their Uses

Here is a table that shows the main types of fire trucks and what they do:

Type of Truck	Main Job	Where It Works	Special Features
Type 1	Fight building fires	Cities & towns	Carries all NFPA tools
Type 2	Rescue & small fires	Suburbs	Compact design
Type 3/4	Fight wilderness fires	Forests & fields	Off-road ability
Pumper	Pump water	Any fire scene	Strong water pumps
Ladder	High rescues	Tall buildings	Extendable ladders
Rescue	Save trapped people	Accidents	Cutting tools
Quint	All-purpose	Small towns	Does 5 jobs
Heavy Rescue	Big emergencies	Disaster areas	Command center

Fun Facts About Fire Trucks

Did you know these cool things about fire trucks?

• Most fire trucks are red, but some are yellow or green
• The first fire trucks were pulled by horses
• Modern fire trucks can pump over 1,500 gallons of water per minute
• Some ladder trucks can reach up to 100 feet high
• Fire trucks carry about 1,000 feet of hose
• New electric fire trucks are being tested in big cities

How Fire Trucks Help Our Communities

Fire trucks do more than fight fires. They help in many ways:

• Save lives at fires and car crashes
• Put out fires in homes and forests
• Pump water from flooded areas
• Rescue animals from dangerous spots
• Bring medical help to sick or hurt people

Fire Truck Safety Tips

When you see or hear a fire truck:

1. Pull over to the side of the road
2. Stay back 500 feet from a working fire truck
3. Never park in front of a fire hydrant
4. Teach children to stay away from fire trucks unless a firefighter says it’s OK
5. Keep streets clear so fire trucks can get through

The Future of Fire Trucks

Fire trucks are getting better all the time. New fire trucks have:

• Electric motors that don’t make smoke
• Smart computers that help find the best way to fires
• Better tools that are lighter and stronger
• Cameras that see through smoke

Between 2020-2025, fire departments will buy 22% more wildland fire trucks because of climate change .

What It Takes to Drive a Fire Truck

Driving a fire truck is a big job. Fire truck drivers need:

• Special training
• A commercial driver’s license
• Quick thinking skills
• Good driving skills
• Knowledge of all the truck’s tools

How Much Do Fire Trucks Cost?

Fire trucks are very expensive! Here’s what they cost:

• Type 1 Fire Engine: $500,000 to $1,000,000
• Ladder Truck: $1,000,000 to $1,500,000
• Rescue Truck: $300,000 to $500,000
• Quint Truck: $750,000 to $1,200,000

Fire departments must save money for years to buy new trucks.

Conclusion

Fire trucks are amazing vehicles that help keep us safe. From the common Type 1 trucks to special rescue trucks, each one has an important job. Next time you see a fire truck, you’ll know just what kind it is and how it helps your community!