Fire trucks are some of the coolest vehicles on the road. They’re big, bright, loud—and they help save lives! But have you ever wondered how fire trucks work? Let’s take a closer look at what makes these amazing machines roll, spray, and save the day.
Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a firefighter or just love big red trucks, here’s everything you need to know about how fire trucks work—for kids.
Different Types of Fire Trucks
There are different types of fire trucks, and each one is designed to do a special job:
- Pumper trucks: These carry water and pump it through hoses. They’re the most common fire engines.
- Ladder trucks: These have long ladders to reach tall buildings.
- Rescue trucks: These are trucks that have a water tank and tools for breaking into buildings to help trapped people.
- Tanker trucks: These carry extra water to places without fire hydrants.
- Wildland fire truck / Brush truck: These smaller pick-up truck-sized vehicles are used for off-road rescues to put out wildfires.
- Mini Pumpers: These fire trucks are about the size of a van and are usually the first on the scene because they can race through traffic more easily.
What's Inside a Fire Truck?
A fire truck is like a giant toolbox on wheels! Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Water tank: Holds hundreds of gallons of water.
- Hose and pump: Sprays water on fires at high pressure.
- Ladders: Some are fixed to the truck, while others can stretch super tall!
- Fire extinguishers: For small or special fires.
- First aid kits: To help people who are hurt.
- Tools: Axes, saws, crowbars—everything needed for rescues.
- Protective gear: Helmets, boots, and suits for every firefighter.
- Radios: So firefighters can talk to each other and the station.
And don’t forget the siren and flashing lights—those help the truck move through traffic fast during emergencies. All DRIVEN fire trucks come with realistic lights, sirens, and doors that open to reveal the detailed interiors of these mini rescue vehicles.
How Do Fire Trucks Put Out Fires?
Fire trucks use pumps to push water through long hoses. The driver controls how much water comes out and how strong the spray is.
If there’s a fire hydrant nearby, the fire truck hooks up to it for an unlimited water supply. If not, it uses the water stored in its tank.
Sometimes, fire trucks also carry foam that smothers fires, especially when water won’t work (like in oil or electrical fires).
How Do Fire Truck Ladders Work?
Some fire trucks have hydraulic ladders, which means they use special fluid pressure to rise high in the air. These ladders can stretch over 100 feet!
Firefighters climb the ladder to rescue people from windows or spray water from above. Some ladders have baskets at the top, so firefighters can stand safely while working.
What’s It Like to Ride a Fire Truck?
Fire trucks are super loud on the inside—but also super organized. Firefighters have to get dressed quickly, listen to directions from the station, and be ready for anything. Each seat has a job—someone drives, someone gives directions, and the rest get ready to help.
We reached out to several real-life firefighters to learn the most impressive thing about the fire trucks they drive, and here’s what we learned.
Insight from Real Fire Fighters!
Ryan, from the Detroit Fire Department, said, “The most impressive thing about a fire truck is how bright the lights are, how loud the horn sounds, and how fast we can get to the fire. When there’s an emergency, every second counts, and the fire truck is built to help us move quickly and safely through traffic. The lights and sirens let everyone know we’re coming so we can help people as fast as possible. It’s an amazing feeling to hop in and know we’re on our way to make a difference.”
Alice, a firefighter from Markstay, Ontario, in Canada, said the coolest thing about her fire truck is that “the pump system on the truck can pump over 2,000 gallons of water per minute at high pressure, drawing from hydrants or water tanks.”
Thomas Reilly, the Fire Chief from Blue Point, New York, shared his experience with a Brush Truck designed for woodland firefighting.
“Originally a troop carrier vehicle for the US Military. It is capable of fighting fires in heavily wooded and dense brush areas carrying over 740 gallons of water. All of which makes it so impressive.” Reilly explained.
His truck was built thirty years ago and is still used today! Most recently, Reilly explained, it fought a 424-acre fire in the pine barrens of Long Island. The truck was tasked with keeping the 2-mile fire from spreading to Gabreski airport and multiple structures in the wooded areas.
Way to go Ryan, Alice, and Chief Reilly!
What Else Can Firefighters Do?
Firefighters respond to more than just fires. They help with:
- Car accidents
- Medical emergencies
- Animal rescues
- Floods and natural disasters
Firefighters are trained to handle all kinds of emergencies, and the fire truck gives them the tools to do it.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about how fire trucks work or want to become a firefighter one day, check out:
- Your local fire station (many have open houses!)
- Kid-friendly firefighter books at the library
- Realistic Fire Truck Toys from DRIVEN. They’re scaled down models of the real thing, with moving parts and a working water hose!
Now that you know how fire trucks work, maybe you’ll be the one driving one someday!