Adding To The Basic Design

All fire trucks serve the same general function in that they all help in combating fires. But ever since the first successful fire engine was built in the 1730s, people have constantly searched for ways to improve upon these machines. Advances in technology have often led helped out in this respect. Innovations in robotics, computer science, mechanical engineering and chemistry have made for new, efficient and effective fire engines. More importantly, these have enabled manufacturers to build engines that are used for specific needs.
The Terrain Determines The Design

Fires can occur anywhere. They can start deep within dried-out forests or within urban jungles. To counter these, fire trucks have to get to the site as quickly as possible. Doing so is not usually easy however. Sizable obstacles can be found throughout the terrain.

Fire trucks are usually large, hefty vehicles. Where buildings are built close together and streets snake throughout the city, these trucks are often too large to get to the fire site at all. In such occasions, tiller trucks are deployed. Not necessarily smaller than the usual fire engine, tiller trucks are designed to weave through tight side streets. Unlike common fire engines, these trucks are driven by two drivers, each having control of either the front or rear wheels. Looking much like a hinge, tiller trucks aren’t usually outfitted with water tanks. Instead, they have telescopic ladders mounted on their backs. Their ability to bend in various angles makes it to easier for firefighters to reach the optimum distance for rescue operations.

In cases where fires happen in far-flung areas, more rugged fire trucks are deployed. Called wildland fire trucks, or brush trucks these are built to travel through rough terrain. Often, the chassis and suspension of such a truck is tweaked to provide both the necessary speed and stability for optimum firefighting.
The Need Determines The Design

With more and more airplanes plying the skies of the globe, aircraft accidents are bound to occur. The large amounts of jet fuel these planes carry become efficient fire accelerants. These fuels are not water soluble. The fires caused by these substances can remain, despite copious amounts of water.

Basic fire trucks in this manner can be found severely wanting. Specially-designed trucks called airport crash tenders are deployed instead. Capable of accelerating to top speeds in short periods of time, airport crash tenders are often equipped with tanks that house fire-retardants, usually in the form of a purple foam. Firefighters administer these substances using very-powerful pumps and cannons. Some airport tenders are outfitted with an extendable arm that can deliver fire extinguishing substances at a safe distance. Referred to as the Snozzle, some variants can be used to puncture the fuselage of a plane in order to deliver fight the fire from inside the crash site.