Skip to main content

There are certain things you expect to see firefighters pull out of their big red rig. Seemingly endless hose line? For sure. Axes and turnout gear? Definitely. But there are some things you probably wouldn’t expect firefighting professionals to pull out of their fire truck. 

A fire truck like an engine, rescue truck, or quint is a rolling toolbox full of life-saving gear

You never want to make that call. Summoning a 25,000-lb fire engine to your home typically means things are in a pretty sorry state. Still, should you need to make that call, you’re glad those firefighters will show up and (hopefully) handle your emergency. And while you expect them to pull out all the tools of the trade to conquer that blaze, there are quite a few things you might not expect first responders to have on board most fire trucks, from engines to rescue trucks.

  • “Hot Stick” voltage detector
  • Absorbent material
  • Chainsaws
  • Large fans
  • Body armor

Maybe you’ve seen it in person or on the news. The high-voltage power line behind someone’s home drops into their yard after a violent storm. Well, that loose line presents a serious safety concern for citizens and first responders. To combat the issue, firefighters may use a voltage detector tool, or “hot stick.” The hot stick can detect unsafe levels of electricity, like a downed power line.

Obviously, firefighters respond to car crashes, or “motor vehicle accidents” (MVAs) every day nationwide. However, the roles and responsibilities of those first responders extend beyond extrication and rescue. As such, firefighters will likely keep absorbent material on their trucks for potentially dangerous spills following an MVA.

No, it’s not for fighting Michael Myers on the front lawn of a house fire. Rather, firefighters keep and maintain chainsaws for ventilation actions in the event of a fully-involved house fire. That, and a chainsaw or two comes in handy when storms knock down large trees and block roads.

Like chainsaws, fire trucks may carry large fans to help reclaim visibility, control smoke, and improve interior conditions during a firefighting operation. Fans can redirect airflow, channeling unwanted smoke out and funneling fresh air inside.

Finally, and perhaps most surprisingly, fire trucks may contain body armor for first responders to use on calls. Firefighters respond to dangerous scenes, including active shooter situations and mass casualty incidents. Body armor can help first responders survive what would otherwise be a deadly impact.

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).