Fire Safety and Prevention - Basic Fire Equipment Used by Firefighters

Being a firefighter is an exciting and awesome job.specifically helpful in forcing open locked doors.
Nowadays, firefighters battle more than just fires.The hydrant wrench is used to open the valve of
They respond to all types of emergencies sucha fire hydrant. All firemen and emergency
as medical and hazardous materials incidents. Theypersonnel carry this piece of equipment. It is a
should be equipped with the proper equipment forheavy duty cutter that can cut down doors in car
rescue and to fight fires. These equipment rangesaccidents.
from big machines like fire trucks to elongatedA fire extinguisher is a must for all firefighters. It
tools like fire hose reels. To effectively fight fire,is used to smother small contained fires such as
a firefighter must be well-trained in the use ofkitchen fires. There are different types of fire
firefighting equipment. Here is a list of some ofextinguishers for different purposes. For instance,
the most important equipment a firefighter needsa wet chemical fire extinguisher is used for a
to rescue and save lives.grease fire in the kitchen while a hydrospray fire
The fire truck is obviously the most importantextinguisher puts out fires from combustible
equipment a firefighter need. Its basic function ismaterials such as wood and paper.
to pump water using an engine via the waterThe fire hose used by firemen works with high
contained in the vehicle or the fire hydrant. Usuallypressure and carries water to extinguish fire. It is
a fire truck is known for its bright red color buteither attached to a fire engine or a nearby fire
some countries employ the use of green orhydrant.
yellow fire trucks. All fire trucks have a seating ofAnother firefighting tool is fire hose reels that
five firefighters, a two-way radio, emergencyprovide a controlled supply of water to combat
lights and sirens.any potential fire risk including combustible solids. It
Another essential tool for rescue is the ladder.requires connection to a pressurized source of
Sometimes a fire truck is operational with a ladderwater.
which can access roofs of houses and apartmentPike poles are usually used by firemen to search
buildings where conventional ladders cannot reach.for fires behind sheetrock in walls and ceilings. It is
The halligan bar is often used in rescue and firemade out of fiberglass with metal hooks on the
service. It's a multipurpose tool that can be usedend.
for twisting, punching, striking or prying. It has aThese are just a few of the firefighting
tapered pick, a blade and a claw which isequipment firemen use.