Spacious front bumpers provide convenient access to essential tools and connections, especially in confined environments like small streets where only the front of the engine can face the scene.

The Federal Q is a traditional electro-mechanical siren (sound is produced by an electrically driven metal rotor) that produces a characteristic “wail” sound. It’s controlled by a driver-side left foot switch in this instance.

Retroreflective paint stripes on the sides and chevron markings at the rear are required by regulation. Retroreflective materials reflect light back to the source for high visibility.

The pump is powered by the diesel engine through the drive shaft.

The apparatus has ample storage space for essential firefighting tools and implements.

The electronic siren uses a loud speaker to produce warning sounds.

Various diameters and lengths of hoses are stored throughout the apparatus.

An engine-mounted master stream is capable of delivering huge amounts of water over long distances.

Upper level lights, like the light bar on the cab roof, are for long distance warning. Lower level lights on the sides, fenders, and bumpers are for close proximity warning.

A fire engine (also referred to as a “pumper”) transports crew, supplies, and firefighting capabilities to the scene of an incident.

Newer fire engines can display and control many functions digitally. For example, regulations require seat belt alerts for every seat in the cab.

Radios are used to communicate with dispatch, firefighters on the ground, and sometimes other agencies for multi-agency incidents.

The road-to-pump switch changes power delivery from the rear axle to the pump. Many pumper designs require movement of the apparatus to be fully stopped before pumping.

This switch panel controls many standard functions like windshield wipers and headlights, plus apparatus specific functions like automatic mud or snow chains.

Some specially designed seats safely stow a SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) tank in the seat back so firefighters can arrive prepared to the scene of an incident.

Firefighting helmets are not safe for in-vehicle use, but must be within reach when arriving at an incident.

Hose couplings, hoses, lockout and tag out gear (for locking and labeling circuit breaker terminals or main water valves in a building; this prevents tampering during an incident), power tool case, cords, air hose, jackhammer, wrench, pneumatic tools, jaws of life, purple K extinguisher.

Shovels, hydrant bag (assorted tools for operating fire hydrants), high-rise kit (tools for operating in multi-floor buildings), CO2 can, gas-powered fan. Roof ladder, extension ladder, folding ladder. Tilting platforms make for easier ladder access.

Fire engines carry a huge assortment of gear for responding to almost any incident.

Pump, hoses, and attachments

Hard Suction supply hoses Hard Suction supply hoses have metal rings integrated into the hose body. This allows them to maintain rigidity when drafting from non-pressurized water sources like pools or lakes.

Tank A common water tank capacity is 1,000 gallons. Perforated internal walls called baffles allow water to flow through the tank but also prevent excess movement or sloshing while the engine is driving to an incident.

Crosslay Hoses stored in a crosslay compartment are accessible from both sides of the fire engine.

Booster hose The booster hose is a smaller diameter pre-connected line, and is usually on a reel. It can be deployed quickly and is useful for brush or trash fires and smaller incidents.

Pump The pump is powered by the fire engine’s diesel motor. Proper pump operation often requires in-depth technical knowledge.

Outlet

Intake

Radio The radio allows communication with the rest of the team for coordinated pump operations.

Attack hose Attack hoses range from about 1.75 inch to 2.5 inch diameters, and are the primary hoses used for most fire knockdown and suppression.

Engine control The engine control panel allows the operator to control the truck’s motor and monitor functions like engine speed (RPMs), temperature, and oil pressure.

Gauges and valves The pump operator must monitor critical pump functions like flow (gallons per minute), pump and hose internal pressure, pressure at the nozzle, friction loss (internal hose friction that slows water flow), and head loss (the effects of gravity on water flow).

Soft supply hose Soft supply hoses are used on pressurized water sources like fire hydrants. Supply lines range from about 3 to 6 inch diameters.

Fog nozzle A fog nozzle spreads or mists water to create water fog.