Fire Truck History 1900 - 1960

The first fire engines as a matter of fact predate the automobile; steam-powered fire engines were first used in the mid-nineteenth century. They were as a matter of fact quite ordinary before the introduction of the movable fire apparatus.

By the turn of the century, they 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 group 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 engines or even those that would appear by 1900. Most engines of this era were found in urban cities Because of little demand, the trucks from 1900-1960 were normally little to unique designs from local manufacturers.

Not only were there countless fire apparatus manufacturers, but there were also many competitive departments in most cities of this early era. Until pro 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 high-priced paint color, most crews ended up painting their trucks red, a tradition that stuck. The color red was also chosen because of the stark variation 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 pro fire departments. Crowded cities required newer technology with productive water pumps that were more movable than former steam-driven fire engines. Still, many smaller fire departments prolonged 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 ordinary in most cities.

Many small clubs still took part in the amelioration of fire trucks once they were no longer steam-powered. By 1913, the Ahrens-Fox Manufacturing firm of Cincinnati became customary for replacing horse-drawn fire engines with fire trucks. However, perhaps the most renowned manufacturer of fire apparatus is Mack Trucks, a firm that began building fire trucks around 1911. With a characteristic snub-nosed hood, the Mack truck earned the name "Bull Dog" for its performance. Mack trucks were produced in one form or another all the way until 1990, manufacture them one of the most recognizable types of vintage fire trucks.

By 1960, the roots of the modern fire apparatus could clearly be seen. 1950's and 1960's trucks came proper with modern water pumps. The 1930's to the 1960's also saw the amelioration 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 engines sat on the sides of the engines or even on the rear, modernized fire trucks included fully enclosed seats for the crew.