Required Equipment for a Fire Truck

A fire truck is stocked with useful equipment to help firefighters put out a blaze.

In order to be prepared for virtually any scenario, a fire engine must be stocked with more than just a hose and ladder. There are various other pieces of equipment that are required on board a fire truck.

Pike Poles

Pike poles are long poles made from fiberglass or wood, with a metal hook and a sharp tip on the end. They are used to pull open walls or ceilings in burning areas. The sharp tip can puncture drywall or windows, while the hook can pull debris down.

SCBA

Fire trucks are required to carry a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for each seat on the vehicle. The device is a mask that is worn on the face, attached to an oxygen cylinder that is strapped to the firefighter’s back. The truck must also carry an extra oxygen cylinder for each SCBA.

Axes

A flat-head axe and a pick-head axe are required because the wide blades can efficiently chop into the door or wall of a building. The pick-head axe is better for punching and prying, while the flat-head axe also can be used a striking tool, like a hammer.

Hydrant Wrenches

Hydrant wrenches open and shut the valves on a fire hydrant. They usually are adjustable so they can fit hydrants of different sizes.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire trucks carry a dry chemical fire extinguisher and a water extinguisher. Dry chemical extinguishers often are more effective on certain types of fire, but they leave behind a damaging residue.

References

• NFPA: Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (2003)
• Lancaster County: Fire Apparatus Standards
• International Association of Fire Chiefs: Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills

Resources

• “Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment”: NFPA 1901 Says You Have To Have What?