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Structure Firefighting Part 3

 Structure firefighting requires various types of apparatus to perform the duties of protecting the community. Throughout the years fire apparatus have been modified or designed with specific jobs in mind. This development includes the requirements of firefighters traveling in an enclosed cab with seatbelts rather than riding on the tail step or running boards of the apparatus.  


The main type of engine used in structure fire fighting is a type 1 Pumper engine. The modern type 1 pumper engine typically has a pump located behind a 4-door cab and a water tank that is mounted to the frame. 


The driver's seat in most of these engines will most likely look like a spaceship with all of the buttons, switches, and gauges. 

Most fire apparatus are equipped with diesel motors because of their durability, strength, long life, and their abundance of torque. All of these are not just good qualities of a fire engine but a requirement. The diesel motor is not only what makes the engine go down the road but also what powers the pump. The pump requires a lot of power to provide adequate hose streams and be able to move the 25,000 - 40,000-pound vehicle to high speeds in a short time. 

Every city or town has its own requirements and needs for that area. Bigger cities with tall buildings require the need for aerial devices. 

There are two types of trucks with aerial devices used in firefighting. One of them is a straight chassis with rear-wheel steering and another is a tractor-trailer type that requires tiller steering, this is because the truck is so long that maneuvering through city streets would be extremely difficult and possibly not reach certain places. Tiller steering is where an operator sits in a small cab in the rear of the truck and steers the back wheels, this is useful because it gives the truck the ability to make sharp turns and maneuver in tight spaces. 

There also are multiple different types of aerial devices on these trucks, the main types are an extendable ladder and an articulated boom type. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but again the type of apparatus used is based on the needs of your city and area. Both trucks are also required to be equipped with 115 feet of ground ladders to be classified as a ladder trucks. 


Another type of apparatus is a quint. A quint is a combination of both a fire engine and a ladder truck. A quint has a pump and an extendable ladder or bucket. This makes them extremely versatile and a popular choice for many departments.  

One thing I want to make sure I leave with you readers is that when you hear or see the sirens of any emergency vehicles, fire, police, or EMS, please get out of the way. Pull off the road and get out of the way because it’s very likely that wherever they are going, someone’s life is in danger and every second counts and could be the deciding factor in whether someone lives or not.

Pictures found at Pierce Fire Trucks

Introduction to Fire Protection and Emergency Services By Robert Klinoff (2021)

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