Fire engine

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Fire engine is a vehicle designed primarily for firefighting operations. The terms "fire engine" and "fire truck" are often used interchangeably; however in some fire departments/fire services they refer to separate and specific types of vehicle.

Design and functions[edit | edit source]

Fire engines are usually equipped with water hoses, ladders, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Their main purpose is to transport firefighters to the scene, provide them with access to the fire and water to extinguish it. Some fire engines have specialized functions, such as hazardous materials (HazMat) mitigation, urban search and rescue, and aircraft rescue and firefighting.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of firefighting started in ancient Rome with the use of bucket chains and pumps, and the creation of the first fire engine was a major event in the history of firefighting. Modern day fire engines are the result of centuries of evolution and improvements in firefighting technology.

Types of fire engines[edit | edit source]

There are several types of fire engines, which are designed for different types of tasks. Some of the most common types include:

  • Pumper or Engine: A fire engine equipped with a water pump and typically carrying hoses and other equipment.
  • Ladder or Truck: A specialized fire engine equipped with a hydraulically-operated ladder.
  • Rescue: A specialized fire engine that carries tools for technical rescues.
  • Tanker or Tender: A fire engine that carries large amounts of water to supply the fire scene.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Fire engine Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD