The first fire engines actually predate the automobile; steam-powered fire engines were first used in the mid-nineteenth century. Fire engines were actually quite commonplace before the introduction of the mobile fire truck.

By the turn of the century, fire trucks took the form of horse-drawn or automobile versions with hand water pumps mounted on the back. The first fire engine was in fact used by the Cincinnati fire department in the 1850’s. These represented a big shift from earlier methods of fighting fires, including bucket lines. Still, they looked nothing like modern fire trucks or even those that would appear by 1900. Most fire engines of this era were found in urban cities Because of limited demand, fire trucks from 1900-1960 were usually limited to unique designs from local manufacturers.

Not only were there countless fire truck manufacturers, but there were also many competing fire departments in most cities of this early era. Until professional fire departments were developed, these volunteer brigades often fought against each other, trying to outdo each other by obtaining the biggest and best fire engines. Because red was the most expensive paint color, most crews ended up painting their trucks red, a tradition that stuck. The color red was also chosen because of the stark contrast with most early cars, which were black.

By the turn of the century, fire trucks became more and more necessary as many towns switched from volunteer to professional fire departments. Crowded cities required newer technology with efficient water pumps that were more mobile than previous steam-driven fire engines. Still, many smaller fire departments continued to use steam powered fire engines until as late as 1920. In fact, the term “fire truck” did not come to replace the earlier “fire engine” or “fire apparatus” until the 1930’s. However, by 1910 to 1920 motorized fire trucks became commonplace in most cities.

Many small companies still took part in the development of fire trucks once they were no longer steam-powered. By 1913, the Ahrens-Fox Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati became well-known for replacing horse-drawn fire engines with fire trucks. However, perhaps the most famous manufacturer of fire trucks is Mack Trucks, a company that began building fire trucks around 1911. With a characteristic snub-nosed hood, the Mack fire truck earned the name “Bull Dog” for its performance. Mack fire trucks were produced in one form or another all the way until 1990, making them one of the most recognizable types of vintage fire trucks.

By 1960, the roots of the modern fire truck could clearly be seen. 1950’s and 1960’s trucks came standard with modern water pumps. The 1930’s to the 1960’s also saw the development of an aerial ladder for reaching tall buildings. The longest aerial ladders have reached a height of 150 feet, sometimes even requiring their own trucks. Also during the 1960’s, the first diesel fire trucks were developed. Although the firefighters using most early fire trucks sat on the sides of the engines or even on the rear, modernized fire trucks included fully enclosed seats for the crew.

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