What kind of tools and equipment is on the different trucks?
The Engine companies are responsible for fire suppression, so on the engine they carry the water and hoses. Most Columbus engines have at least a 500-gallon water tank. Each engine also carries a 1,000 of 5″ hose, which can be connected to a hydrant and used to run water from the hydrant to the engine once the engines 500 gallons has diminished. The engine, also known as a pumper, has a pump on it, which can pump over 1,500 gallons a minute. Also on the engine there are several hand lines which can be taken inside the building. The standard hand line is 200 in length and is 1 3/4″ in diameter. In comparison, a garden hose is approximately inch in diameter. The ladder companies carry equipment that will assist with ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue, and overhaul. Ventilation is important because it allows the super-heated toxic gases to escape and also allows the firefighters inside to do their work more efficiently. All ladder trucks carry chainsaws and circular saws. Thes
