﻿ Fire apparatus : définition de Fire apparatus et synonymes de Fire apparatus (anglais)

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Fire apparatus

  A fire engine in Cambridge, England, responding to an emergency call, 2010


A modern fire engine is usually a multi-purpose vehicle carrying paid firefighters or volunteers and equipment for a wide range of firefighting and rescue tasks. Therefore, most fire engines carry equipment such as ladders, pike poles, axes and cutting equipment, halligan bars, fire extinguishers, ventilating equipment, floodlights, hose ramps, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and general tools. Many fire appliances are based on standard truck or lorry models with heavy duty suspensions, brakes, tires, alternator, transmission and cooling systems; audible and visual warnings such as sirens, horns, and flashing lights; and a two-way radio.

The fire engine may have several methods of pumping water onto the fire, such as passing water obtained from a fire hydrant through hoses or using a pumping "cannon" (also known as a monitor or deck gun); some trucks have an onboard water reservoir. Some fire engines may carry ladders to gain access to fires occurring in high-rise buildings and remove casualties, or hooks used to pull walls away to expose hidden fire or break windows. In some regions, a rescue unit is an EMS truck with tools to carry out technical rescues of people from traffic collisions or structural collapses.

Fire departments covering large metropolitan areas may have specialist appliances for dealing with hazardous material incidents. Some fire departments may utilise fireboats or airplanes, depending on the local geography.



  Conventional fire apparatus

  A conventional pumper of the Fire and Rescue NSW in Wagga Wagga, Australia

The conventional fire apparatus (also called a fire appliance, fire tender, fire engine, water ladder, pumper and pump-ladder) may have several methods of pumping water on to the fire. The most common method is to pass water from a pump through hoses to the fire, from an array of valves. It may also have a fixed pumping "cannon" (also called a fire monitor, or deck gun), which can direct the water as pointed by the operator. The horizontal and vertical range of the monitor arrangement usually is limited and appropriate only for specific tasks, such as airport fires. Monitors can also be used as water cannons for crowd control. A fire engine may have an onboard water reservoir allowing firefighters to begin tackling the fire immediately, or it may be completely reliant on external sources, such as fire hydrants, water tenders, natural sources such as rivers, or reservoirs by using draft water suction. A development is the use of an impulse fire-extinguishing system (IFEX), in which the water is highly pressurized into a vaporous mist, creating a cooling effect that is more efficient than that of water alone.[1] Some fire engines have been equipped with injectors for mixing foam into the pumped water stream creating a foam solution that is more effective than water alone. Some modern apparatus have included an air pump alongside foam injection to produce a compressed air foam product that further increases the efficiency of the water stream, cutting down dramatically on extinguishing time and water damage. This is referred to as a CAFS (compressed air foam system).

  Aerial apparatus

  Turntable ladder

  Several aerial apparatus in use at a fire in Los Angeles

A turntable ladder (TL) is perhaps the best-known form of specialised aerial apparatus, and is used to gain access to fires occurring at height using a large telescopic ladder, where conventional ladders carried on conventional appliances might not reach.

The name is derived from the fact that the large ladder is mounted on a turntable on the back of a truck chassis, allowing it to pivot around a stable base, which in turn allows a much greater ladder length to be achieved. To increase its length, the ladder is telescopic. Modern TLs are either hydraulic or pneumatic in operation.

A ladder can also be mounted behind the cab. This is sometimes called "mid-ship" and the arrangement allows a shorter wheelbase for the truck, and also can be more stable in some conditions. Rear-mount ladders are built on wheelbases as short as 8ft 10in. Examples are 60ft units manufactured by Gimaex.

The key functions of a turntable ladder are:

  • Allowing access or egress of firefighters and casualties at height;
  • Providing a high level water point for firefighting (elevated master stream);
  • Providing a working platform from which tasks such as ventilation or overhaul can be executed.

While the traditional characteristic of a fire appliance was a lack of water pumping or storage, many modern TLs have a water pumping function built in (and some have their own onboard supply reservoir), and may have a pre-piped waterway running the length of the ladder, to allow a stream of water to the firefighters at the top. In some cases, there may also be a monitor at the top of the ladder for ease of use. Other appliances may simply have a trackway which will hold a manually run hose reel securely, and prevent it from falling to the ground.

  Tower ladder

Some turntable ladders may have a basket (sometimes known as a bucket) mounted at the top of the ladder, as on a hydraulic platform; these are called tower ladders. These appliances can provide a secure place for a firefighter to operate equipment from, and allow multiple people, including rescued persons, to be carried.

  Tiller ladder
  A tiller ladder of the Los Angeles Fire Department manufactured by American LaFrance

A tiller ladder, also known as a tractor-drawn aerial or hook-and-ladder truck, is a specialised turntable ladder mounted on a semi-trailer truck. It has two drivers with separate steering wheels for front and rear wheels. This truck is primarily used in the United States, especially in areas with narrow streets that prevent longer rigid-bodied trucks from entering such as San Francisco and Washington, DC. The hook-and-ladder concept started when taller skyscrapers and more city streets became a problem for fire departments. Larger ladders were needed to get to the upper stories of buildings, and the only way to move them was in this format. The independent steering for the rear wheels improves maneuverability and allows the truck to quickly position itself when fighting fires.


In some areas of the United States, the turntable ladder may be known as a quint or quad, as it is capable of performing multiple tasks (pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders) with each of these functions making up one of its four (Quad) or five (Quint) capabilities. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has certain specification that a turntable ladder has to meet to be officially considered a quint or quad (such as fire pump capacity, minimum amounts of equipment, etc.).

  Hydraulic platform

  A telescopic hydraulic platform in Roskilde, Denmark

A hydraulic platform, also known as articulating booms, Snorkels, platform trucks, Bronto (used in Australia) or sometimes shortened to just HP, is a specialised aerial work platform designed for firefighting use. They have a number of functions, which follow the same principles as the turntable ladder, providing high level access and elevated water pump positions.



Many HPs are fitted with additional equipment in the platform itself, which can include a control panel, lighting equipment, a fixed water outlet or monitor, power outlets or compressed air outlets (allowing the fixing of rescue equipment, such as hydraulic rescue tools). Many are also adapted or capable of carrying a stretcher. Some units have video systems and remote control in case of dangerous chemical fires.

In an emergency, liquid-concrete pumping boom trucks can be temporarily repurposed for delivery of water for firefighting, as in the case of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011.[3]

  Aerial ladder platform


  Rescue apparatus

  Heavy rescue vehicle

  Heavy rescue vehicle with the Fire Bureau in Sapporo, Japan


In the U.S., NFPA regulations 1006 and 1670 provide guidelines and regulations for the operation of heavy rescue vehicles and also state that all "rescuers" must have medical training to perform any technical rescue operation, including cutting the vehicle itself.[4][5] In most rescue environments, fire department personnel conduct rescue operations working hand-in-hand with medical personnel, such as EMTs or paramedics.

In addition to fire and rescue departments, tram or railway companies may have their own dedicated heavy rescue squads.[6][7] For example, railway rescue squads may carry very specialized equipment for railway accidents like hydraulic jacks with capacity for lifting locomotives or even moving them horizontally, and equipment for tank car accidents.[8]

  Rescue engine/pumper

A rescue pumper or rescue engine is a purpose-built unit of fire apparatus beyond a typical NFPA Class A rated engine company. The original concept was to marry the capabilities of a heavy rescue squad and that of a class A rated pumper, that is to add 1,000 gpm or greater fire pump and 500 gallons of water. This is a newer concept that first began in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

This first design did not include all the supply hose that is usually carried on a typical engine, but had the tool-carrying capacity of a heavy squad, including extrication equipment and the specialized rescue tools not carried on ladder trucks or engine companies.

The current design is more like a typical fire engine than a true rescue pumper. Today's rescue engine differs from the original unit concept Rescue Pumper, designed by Fire Chief S. E. Politano, which was simply to add more initial firefighting capabilities (onboard water and pumping capacity) to a heavy rescue squad, not bring heavy rescue squad capabilities to an engine company.

  Wildland fire apparatus

Wildland firefighting requires unique vehicles that can easily negotiate difficult terrain and high-gradient roads, be self-reliant, and have high clearances for wheels and suspension. Wildland fire engines and wildland fire tenders may have lower capacities to carry water, but can be deployed to fight fires in environments where urban fire apparatus would be unable to operate due to the terrain.

In heavily forested areas, a specialist brush truck may be used. These are usually trucks with off-road capabilities for traversing rough terrain in order to reach the fire. Other vehicle models commonly used in the role of all-terrain fire engines include the Pinzgauer and Unimog.

Wildland or brush trucks are also distinguished from standard engines in that some models offer the ability to pump water while the apparatus is moving. This contrasts with standard engines or pumpers, which use the vehicle's engine to power the pumps, meaning that the vehicle must be stationary while the pump is in operation.

  Hazardous materials apparatus

  HAZMAT Response unit with the ACT Fire & Rescue Service in Canberra



  Logistical support apparatus


  Command support unit

  A London Fire Brigade Command Unit

The advancement of technology and potential for very large-scale incidents has led to many fire departments utilising or increasing their use of mobile command support units.


  Water and foam-carrying apparatus

  Tanker truck



Most water tenders are designed to carry loads of 1,000 US gallons (3,800 L; 830 imp gal) or more. In the U.S., 1,000 U.S. gallons is the requirement in the NFPA standards.[10] Some may carry up to or even upwards of 5,000 US gallons (4,200 imp gal; 19,000 L) of water.[11][12][13]

  Hose layer


  Foam tender




  Fire train

  Fire train (foam-water tankers and pump-crew car) in Russia, hauled by a locomotive



Similar trains are found in Switzerland and the United States (with BNSF).[15]

  Airport crash tender



Some tenders have an elevated extended extinguishing arm called a Snozzle, giving a possibility to raise a water/foam cannon into the height of approximately 10–20 metres (33–66 ft). Some arms have reinforced nozzles that can puncture through superficial structures of an aeroplane to fight a fire inside the fuselage.[16]

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has given standards and recommended practices on rescue firefighting categories of civil aerodromes.[17][18] National aviation authorities may have given even further requirements on aerodrome rescue and fire services.








They are commonly used in Japan and Hong Kong, for example, in normal everyday duties. The motorcycles are useful for negotiating the small streets and heavy traffic in the large urban areas of Japanese cities. Having off-road motorcycles helps in responding to the difficult terrain that surround many urban centres. Some departments would likely have their crews in teams of two or three motorcycles. The firefighters who drive these motorcycles wear a light-weight fire suit. Their motorcycle's helmets are fireproof and equipped with a radio. A fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and a small hose are carried in the cargo truck and panniers. One of the motorcycles carries a first aid kit and/or automated external defibrillator. The other motorcycles in this team may carry fire fighting and rescue equipment. A self-contained breathing apparatus pack is also carried on one motorcycle and pre-setup for ready use. Most crews are firefighters with training in first response, first aid, and/or paramedicine.

There are also fire fighting all-terrain vehicles

  Other apparatus

  Kei car fire truck in Japan

Other fire apparatus include:

  Other functions

In some communities a fire apparatus, often a paramedic engine, will be used to carry first responder firefighters, paramedics or EMTs to medical emergencies because of their faster response times due to forward staging in the city compared to ambulances coming from hospitals [19][20] Fire departments may also have lifeguards in places such as Los Angeles County, California.

  Design and construction






  Visual warnings


  Passive visual warnings




  Active visual warnings

  Active visual warnings of a North American-type fire appliance


  Audible warnings



The speakers for modern sirens can be located in several places on the vehicle, including being integral to the lightbar, or hidden in the grille. Some vehicles may also be fitted with airhorn audible warnings. A number of North American fire departments have returned to the "acoustic" or "air" traditional siren, as its overtones help the public "locate" and avoid the fire truck—the newer electronic signals disperse almost pure electronic sine wave tones, which are hard to locate, especially in city "canyons" of buildings. In Chile, many vehicles are fitted with three types of audible warnings, which are sounded all at once: the classic "air" siren, the electronic "yelp", and the European two-tone air horns (sometimes newer vehicles are fitted with the electronic version of the latter, commonly called "Hi-Lo").


  Additional equipment


  • Two-way radio—This is one of the most important pieces of equipment. Many services have moved from traditional UHF/VHF sets, which can be monitored externally, to more secure systems, such as those working on a GSM system, such as TETRA.
  • Mobile data terminal—Many appliances are fitted with Mobile Data Terminals (or MDTs), which are connected wirelessly to a central computer, and enable firefighters to call up details such as incident logs, maps of locations, or exclusion zones.
  • Evidence-gathering CCTV—Some fire vehicles can be fitted with video cameras used to record activity. They may also be fitted with sound recording facilities. This is used for the protection of the crew (and evidence of any assaults or intimidation of the firefighters) or can be used as evidence relating to the incident itself.
  • Ramming pads—These rubberized pads are fitted to the chassis of the appliance, to allow the vehicle to be used as a battering ram, or to push other vehicles off the road in an emergency. One of the uses of ramming pads is to remove a parked car illegally blocking a fire hydrant that is needed by fire crews responding to an emergency.

  Crew assignment










Colonial laws in America required each house to have a bucket of water on the front stoop during fires at night. These buckets were intended for use by the initial "bucket brigade" that would throw the water at fires. Philadelphia obtained a hand-pumped fire engine in 1719, years after Boston's 1654 model appeared there, made by Joseph Jencks, but before New York's two engines arrived from London.

By 1730, Richard Newsham, in London, had made successful fire engines; the first used in New York City (in 1731) were of his make (six years before formation of the NYC volunteer fire department). The amount of manpower and skill necessary for firefighting prompted the institution of an organized fire company by Benjamin Franklin in 1737. Thomas Lote built the first fire engine made in America in 1743. Ericsson made a similar one in New York in 1840. John Ericsson is credited with building the first American steam-powered fire engine. George Braithwaite built the first steam fire-engine in Britain.

  The first modern fire engine was manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1905, by Knox Automobile. In 1906, Springfield had the world's first modern fire department.



  Early pumpers



  Early aerials


In 1905, the first modern fire engine was constructed by Knox Automobile of Springfield, Massachusetts, based on the standard truck model. A year later, the City of Springfield had the world's first modern fire department, supplied by Knox Fire Engines.[23]



  See also


  1. ^ "Fire Fighting Technologies detail on IFES". http://www.ffti.com.au/product_detail/36/. Retrieved 2007-06-15. 
  2. ^ Bronto Skylift: HLA Range brochure. www.bronto.fi. Retrieved April 28, 2007
  3. ^ "Russian plane delivers American pump to Japan". .the news tribune. April 2011. http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/04/09/1619190/russian-plane-delivers-american.html. Retrieved 9 April 2011. 
  6. ^ For example, Helsinki City Transport's tram rescue unit in Fireimages.net, retrieved May 9, 2007.
  9. ^ Helsinki Rescue Department
  11. ^ Tarvasjoen vpk (Tarvasjoki Voluntary Fire Dept, Finland 2006)
  12. ^ For example, specifications of Amthor International Fire Tankers, www.amthorinternational.com, retrieved April 28, 2007
  13. ^ Example on a 12,500 litres (3,300 US gal; 2,700 imp gal) water tender with 9,000 litres (2,400 US gal; 2,000 imp gal) trailer: Fire Dept. of Kittilä, Regional Rescue Services of Lappi in northern Finland. Fireimages.net, retrieved April 28, 2007.
  14. ^ http://www.parovoz.com/newgallery/pg_view.php?ID=240297&LNG=RU#picture
  15. ^ "Fighting fire with a trainWildfire Today". Wildfiretoday.com. 2010-08-24. http://wildfiretoday.com/2010/08/24/fighting-fire-with-a-train/. Retrieved 2011-10-24. 
  21. ^ Riekerinc.com
  22. ^ Pelastusajoneuvojen yleisopas. (A general guide for rescue vehicles) (In Finnish). Ministry of the Interior, Finland. Pelastustoimi.fi (Finnish), Retrieved April 28, 2007
  23. ^ "Books about Knox Automobile Company - Historical Photos & Images of Knox Automobile Company". Arcadia Publishing. http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=9780738504995&Store_Code=arcadia&search=MA&offset=100&filter_cat=&PowerSearch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high=%20%26srch_state%3D1. Retrieved 2011-10-24. 

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