Know the Difference Between Fire Trucks and Fire Engines?

Q:  What's the difference between Fire Trucks and Fire Engines?

Truck 2, Engine 2

A: Fire trucks are equipped with very large ladders that extend from the truck but do not come off. Key components of a fire truck include:

• Hydraulically operated (aerial) ladder
• Full complement of ground ladders of various types and lengths
• Specialized equipment for forcible entry, ventilation, and search and rescue tasks

Truck 1

Fire engines, or pumpers, carry hose, tools, and pump water. The engine can also carry ladders, but they are set up by the fire fighters and can be carried around.  Key components of a fire engine include:

• Water tank (usually 500-750 gallons)
• Pump (approximately 1500 GPM)
• Complement of various types of hose (for both attack and supply)

Engine 28