📌 Did you know?

👉 Dalmatian Tradition: The tradition of having Dalmatian dogs associated with fire trucks dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire carriages. Dalmatians were known to be compatible with horses and helped clear the way for the fire brigade. While modern fire trucks are motorized, Dalmatians are still sometimes seen as mascots at fire stations.

👉 Tiller Trucks and Their Unique Steering: Tiller trucks, also known as tractor-drawn aerials, have a distinctive design with a separate driver for the rear steering wheels. The tillerman controls the rear wheels to navigate tight turns, making these trucks especially effective in urban areas where space is limited.

👉 Fire Truck Colors – Red Tradition: The iconic red color of fire trucks is not just a design choice. In the early 1900s, red became the standard color for fire engines because it was highly visible and easily distinguished from other vehicles. The tradition continues today, contributing to the immediate recognition of fire trucks on the road.

👉 High Aerial Reach: Aerial ladder trucks are equipped with extendable ladders that can reach impressive heights. Some models can extend to over 100 feet (30 meters) in the air, allowing firefighters to access elevated locations during rescue operations or firefighting efforts in tall buildings.

👉 Specialized Equipment: Fire trucks are equipped with a variety of specialized tools beyond hoses and water tanks. This includes hydraulic rescue tools (often referred to as the “Jaws of Life”) for extricating people from vehicles after accidents, as well as equipment for handling hazardous materials and providing emergency medical services.