Every now and again we like to take a deeper dive into the tools of the trade for Alpha Volunteer Firefighters. None capture the imagination (or admiration) of firefighters more than the vehicles that have become emblematic of Fire Services: Fire Engines and Fire Trucks.   Our guess is when you see the telltale flashing lights and sparkling red-and-white blur of the vehicle, and hear the distinctive wail of the siren and powerful bleat of the air horn, you know a fire engine is on the way. Or a fire truck. But do you know the difference?

Fire Trucks Are The Ones With The Big Ladders.

Now in all fairness—you could have probably answered the question from a neat story we did a while ago that proudly introduced our Fire Engine company. (Click the link to check it out—it’s a fun, informative read!). The biggest difference between the two – the answer to the question “What’s the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine?” is actually an oversimplification. “Fire Trucks are the ones with the big ladders” IS the correct answer… but if you’ve read our previous story, you know that each vehicle is a massive, specialized mobile tool designed for specific functions and purposes based on the type of emergency response needed. Fire engines are primarily responsible for the distribution and pumping of water at an emergency; Fire trucks are like a giant rolling toolbox designed to help fire engines (and firefighters) better respond to almost any emergency imaginable. Trucks do bring the big ladders to the scene however—and are outfitted with special weighted outriggers that stabilize the truck when the ladders are deployed.

 The Ultimate Fire Truck Infographic.

On the Alpha apparatus page, you can get up close and personal with the vehicles in our Fire Truck Company—as well as our Engine Company, Rescue Company and Support Company!). But for everything you ever wanted to know about fire trucks? We simply invite you to view this page from Trucksite.com—one of the coolest overviews we’ve ever seen. The infographic below anchors the page, which also includes a text-only version of the information. Remember that you’re always welcome to stop by the station to kick the tires in person! Provided by: TruckSite.com