The fire trucks have changed from steam fire engines to aerial fire trucks. They have a hose, water pump, pressure pipes, and cabin for firefighters.
How Did Fire Trucks Get Their Name? Fire trucks got their names according to their evolution from horse-drawn steam bumpers to fire engines and transportation of firefighters and equipment. The first fire engine was made in 1841, and the first fire truck was launched in 1906 by Knox Automobile Company.
The old fire trucks did not have roofs until Hayes installed a ladder on their top. Without roofs, the team was able to assess the overhead dangers.
Fire truck name history
The first fire truck was made in 1906 by Knox Automobile Company. However, it was a prototype with a ladder and sirens.
The firefighters stood on its running boards while holding the side walls. The earlier prototypes were different due to their design and functions.
In the early 1700s, the manufacturers made the first fire engine to transport water to different locations. An English inventor, Richard Newsham, applied for a patent in 1721 to manufacture fire engines.
According to Newsham’s design, they had a pedal-regulated water pump. Two team members had operated their old versions by applying pressure on the pedal and throwing water to distant spots with pressurized conditions.
From 1840 to 1920, the advancement of automobile designs leads to the manufacturing of a horse-drawn steam bumper.
Also, they comprised the combustion engines, and horses dragged them. In 1913, well-known manufacturing companies changed their designs.
Knox Automobile Company and Ahrens fox converted steam engines to gas motors. In 1925, the manufacturers changed the steam pumpers into motorized pumps.
However, these had dual motors to supply power to the water pump and chassis. Eventually, the companies changed the pumps into rotary and centrifugal designs, which are part of present variants due to their higher efficiency.
To fight against the urban fire locations, an American firefighter Daniel D. Hayes developed a ladder on the roof of the frame and called it a ladder fire truck.
According to their history, the first fire truck with a steam engine had launched in 1841. But, Hayes made the aerial on the roof in 1868, which signified the invention.
Why are they called fire trucks?
They have specific functions to fight against fire at different locations. However, the following are a few significant properties.
Fight against fire
Fire trucks have all the equipment and team to fight against the fire. Furthermore, they can cool down the high flames at various locations.
They have long water pipes which work with pressure and have protective insulation to survive heat hazards. However, they fight and rescue individuals due to their design and specific functions.
Due to the variability of equipment, they can overcome disasters. For example, the team controls the water pipes and throws water on the flames.
Their pumps comprise pressurized water within the hose. The team can spray water through pressure pipes which immediately reduces the heat effects.
These trucks have foam-containing equipment which is effective against heat. It contains low-density bubbles of water and works as a cooling agent.
Designated truck designs
They have specific designs for designated functions. According to their standard layouts, they have a high-quality and durable water pump.
Moreover, their chassis is reliable and comprise a foam base suspension system. Their engines are high-performance and can support their frame and extendable parts.
Similarly, they have a separate section for the hose, which comprises water or other liquids. With the advancement of design, they include a moveable aerial on the top.
It is a hydraulically controlled ladder that can extend and approach higher spots. Due to variable dimensions, it has different types of ladders with distinct sizes.
For forcible entrances, they have specific equipment. Moreover, they have all the moveable and stationary equipment to produce ventilation during rescue operations.
Carriage vehicles for firefighters
These are carriage vehicles for the firefighters, which can accommodate them in a separate compartment. With the cabins, they can travel in a safe environment.
Unlike older variants, they do not hang on the running boards. Instead, they sit inside their cabin on comfortable seats.
Moreover, they have specific training to cope with emergencies. According to standard limitations, around four team members can accommodate inside it.
They respond to emergency calls and approach the locations. However, their number can increase according to the severity of emergencies.
Operation under fire authorities
These trucks operate under the instructions of fire departments. These departments have specific rules to overcome the situation.
Due to their policies, the departments guide the team about fire suspension and prevention. Furthermore, these departments have been working for more than thirty years.
During this span, they have added more facilities and trained workers. In addition, due to instructions, the team provides medical assistance during emergencies.
According to the National Fire department Registry, the USA has about 27200 registered departments.
These departments operate them, send them to different locations and cover a specific area according to their duties.
They can send a trained brigade to a location that can overcome the situation. These departments regulate trucks to rescue individuals, facilitate emergency aid, and control a situation within a few minutes.
Specific red paint
In their earlier manufacturing stage, they had a bold red color. These were horse-drawn fire engines with a water pump.
However, they had red paint over the frame to make them visible. It was their traditional color that made them prominent.
Furthermore, it was changed to lime yellow after a few years to reduce the accidents. A few departments have their specific colors for them.
However, several trucks are blue due to their department specifications. In these conditions, it is a symbol of community support.
What is the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine?
Several people mix them due to misconceptions and insufficient knowledge about their distinct functions. They are different according to their specifications, functions, and type of carriage.
Fire engines comprise water hoses to support the team for standard performance. In addition, they have water containers of about 550 to 850 gallons.
They are specific for the attack, power supply, and fight. Unlike them, fire trucks have specific equipment, different tools, and ladders.
With different equipment, they can support their brigade against the situation. For example, hydraulic aerial fire trucks can approach different high spots.
Ground ladders have modified sizes, and you cannot remove them from the frame. They perform rescue procedures in distant areas and operate under relevant departments.
Moreover, they reduce flame growth and decrease the intensity of the heat. However, they cannot aggressively compete due to performance limits.
However, they control the fire to promote rescue and ventilation procedures.
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