Fire trucks carry the ladders, tools, and firefighters necessary to go into a burning building and rescue people who may be inside.
The tower-ladder can extend to 95 feet (about as high as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree).
A turntable on top of the truck can spin the ladder around 360 degrees
so that the bucket can be placed in the right spot ear the burning
building.
Because the tower-ladder is so heavy, it needs outrigger and jacks to
brace the truck off the ground so it is stable and does not fall.
The storage compartments make it easy for the firefighters to keep
their tools separate and organized for easy access when they reach the
fire scene.
The cab is where firefighters sit when they ride to the fire. The cab
has all the controls for the sirens and flashing lights. It also has a
radio that gives firefighters reports from the dispatcher so they know
what to expect when they arrive at the fire.
The tower-ladder has a bucket platform at the end of it. From the
bucket, firefighters can rescue trapped people or spray water from
air-air directly into the burning building.
Fire isn't just powerful—it's fast, too. Ride along with an FDNY engine company, and learn just why it's important to clear the road for a fire truck that's racing to the scene.