Apparatus

The Firehouse.com Apparatus product category is a collection of information and product listings and resources for Fire Apparaus Manufacturers and Emergency Vehicle and Fire Truck Builders.
Photos by Tom W. Shand
Pump panels from earlier rigs, such as the one on this 1977 Mack CF rig, generally were more compact, with all discharges controlled via direct-acting linkages and pull rods. In later years, NFPA 1901: Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus was changed to require that a gauge be located adjacent to the respective discharge control. Note the vernier throttle on the lower panel and the discharge relief valve in the upper right panel.
Apparatus

Fire Apparatus Supplement 2025: Designing Pump Panels

March 11, 2025
Tom Shand covers discharges, controllers, pump styles, intakes and hosebeds in his comprehensive explanation of all that must be considered to make a driver/engineer's job safer...
fire department vehicle positioning John J. Salka Jr. FDNY
Operations & Training

The Fire Scene: Apparatus Positioning

March 11, 2025
John J. Salka Jr.'s examples of set up of ladder company apparatus, pumpers and chief's vehicles underscore the importance of grasp of this on-scene task.
Photos by Jeffrey Gaskin
The new Meritor drive axle wheel end will allow for 17-inch disc brakes to be used at higher gross axle weight ratings.
Brakes & Suspension

Fire Apparatus Supplement 2025: Axles, Brakes, Suspensions & Tires

March 11, 2025
Jeffrey D. Gaskin delivers a guide to four vehicle systems that are key to gross axle weight ratings and gross vehicle weight ratings.
Photos by Rick Mosher
fire department pumpers portable ladder access Rick Mosher
Pumper

Fire Apparatus Supplement 2025: Portable Ladder Storage on Pumpers

March 11, 2025
Rick Mosher details the reasoning for some departments to specify a high-side/low-side pumper that includes curbside access to ground ladders.
Firefighter limps back to station after violent crash
Apparatus

Los Angeles County Firefighter Limps Back to Station after Crash

March 10, 2025
Firefighters had to extricate a person from the sedan that hit the Los Angeles County medic unit.