Fire engines are constantly seen speeding through the streets to extinguish yet another fire. Fire engines, also called fire trucks and fire apparatuses, are very complex and have many tools essential for putting out fires. The main tools include a water tanker, tool box and personnel carrier. The invention of fire engines ended ”bucket brigades” by lengthening the distance for spraying water. The most common type of fire engine is a pumper/tanker engine.
Pumper/Tanker Engine
A pumper/tanker fire engine’s main function is to transport water in a water tank or suck water in from an external source, typically a fire hydrant. The primary water tank is often located out of sight and inside the vehicle. It contains 1,000 gallons of water and extends down the center of the truck’s rear.
When a fire hydrant is not available, fire fighters use a drop tank, which is a massive container of water that can contain roughly 2,000 gallons of water. In order to extract the water from the drop tank, they use a hard suction line measuring 6 inches in diameter. Pumpers can pump 2,000 gallons of water per minute. Every pumper engine contains a connection for fire hydrants and water hoses on its side. Located on the bottom of the used fire apparatus is a big connector that allows water to pass into the pump. The smaller connectors are for the hoses.
Impeller Water Pump
The impeller water pump is in the center of the fire engine. This pump is positioned directly behind the firefighters’ seat. The impeller is a mechanism that contains rounded blades and runs on a diesel engine. The impeller rotates rapidly within the pump. When water enters the pump, it is immediately propelled outward by the impeller. The impeller’s spinning action is known as centrifugal force, which creates water pressure. An opening valve is what causes the water to interact with the spinning impeller.
A business in need of a fire truck would be better off going to a used dealer such as http://www.firetrucksunlimited.com/ However, fire engines are dangerous vehicles and should only be operated by licensed fire fighters. Fire trucks have enough room for eight passengers and can only reach speeds of 60 to 70 mph. Among ladders and hoses, fire trucks also store a rescue tool called The Jaws Of Life, which is used to pry open the doors of demolished cars.
Other types of fire trucks include a hook-and ladder, used to transport long ladders and rescue tools, and a quint, which carries its own water supply and is usually found on the East Coast. A fire engine’s control panel is pretty complex. It typically consists of three sections. The feeding switches and panel illumination are in the superior section while the intermediate section features pressure gauges and the inferior section has various valves. Not only do fire trucks arrive at the scene of a fire, but they are accompanied by hazmat trucks, tanker trucks and rescue trucks, if needed. Each truck remains in the same position throughout the entire fire to make it easy for the firefighters to locate equipment.