Fire Trucks
The first fire truck was a steam engine in 1655. It was able to shoot water up to 40 feet. Colonial homes were required to have a bucket of water of the front step in case of a fire. Known as the bucket brigade, fire fighters would throw buckets of water onto the fire. 1719 saw fire trucks growing in numbers through communities. The first fire department in the United States was established in 1737. They did not purchase fire trucks until 1943.
There are three kinds of fire trucks. The pumper is the most common. They are usually used for kids to explore during Fire Prevention Programs. These trucks are often called to car accidents in case the cars catch on fire. Most are about 30 feet long. They don’t hold large amounts of water, but enough to put out small fires. The tanker truck is also about 30 feet long. It holds about 1,000 gallons of water. The tankers are always full of water, ready to be dispatched in a moments notice. The ladder truck has the folded down extension ladder on the top. The ladder is 100 feet long. The end of the ladder holds a bucket that firefighters get in to reach high areas. They not only put the fire out here, but rescue people and pets. Generally 2 or 3 people can fit in the bucket at one time.
Fire trucks are bright red in color to make the easily to spot. When trying to get to a fire, they turn on their sirens. It is believed the combination of the red color and the sound will inform people where they are, so they can safely move out of the way. Time is a very important factor for being able to save lives and reduce the damage from fires. Traffic can be a nuisance when trying to get to the source quickly.
Technology has made fire truck equipment easier and faster to use. Pumps, hoses, connectors, and valves are all important parts of the equipment. They faster they pump and the more water that can be distributed at one time, the more efficient the efforts to put out the fire will be.
