What kind of tools and equipment is on the different trucks?

The Engine companies are responsible for fire suppression, so on the engine they carries 500 gallons of water. Each engine also carries about 1,000’ of 5" hose, which can be connected to a hydrant and used to run water from the hydrant to the engine once the engines 500 gallons has diminished. The engine, also known as a pumper, has a pump on it, which can pump over 1,500 gallons a minute. Also on the engine there are several hand lines which can be taken inside the building. The standard hand line is 1 3/4" in diameter. In comparison, a garden hose is approximately 5/8 inch in diameter. 

The ladder companies carry equipment that will assist with ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue, and overhaul. Ventilation is important because it allows the super-heated toxic gases to escape and also allows the firefighters inside to do their work safer and more efficiently. All ladder trucks carry chainsaws and circular saws. These saws are used to cut holes into roofs and walls. To be able to get into a building you need the right kind of tools therefore ladder companies carry many different types of tools. A couple examples are the hydraulic rabbit tool, which pulls a door away from the jam, and tools to snap even the strongest pad locks. For search and rescue the technology is now available to have hand held thermal-imaging cameras. These cameras allow firefighters to see through the smoke and see the victims. Our department has one on each of our companies. Overhaul is basically cleaning up. Removing all the debris that was destroyed in the fire and make sure all hot spots are extinguished.

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1. What are the Firefighter Agility Test Requirements?
2. Why does the fire department respond to my house for a medical emergency?
3. What is an engine company and what do they do at a fire scene?
4. What is a ladder company & what do they do at a fire scene?
5. What are the various equipment on fire apparatuses?
6. Why does a fire engine come to my house when I have a medical emergency?
7. What does an Engine company do and what are their jobs on a fire scene?
8. What does a Ladder company do and what are their jobs on a fire scene?
9. What kind of tools and equipment is on the different trucks?
10. Why do firefighters break windows and cut a hole in the roof at a fire?
11. Why do firefighters cut holes in the walls at a fire?