Fire Engines Photos

I think FPT = Fourgon Pompe Tonne, or Truck with Pump and Tank.

Added by Mike Feldman on 21 July 2011.

As can be seen here, these carry a comprehensive array of ladders, including a hook ladder. These were invented by the Paris fire brigade in the 1820s, as many five and six floor buildings in the city back then had small inner courtyards where it was impossible to maneuver any kind of long extension ladder. Now of course a lot of those old buildings are still there, so every BSPP pump appliance still carries a hook ladder. And they use them! I recently saw a video of Paris firefighters carrying out two nighttime rescues from a fourth floor window in an unlit courtyard using four hook ladders - a very impressive and perfectly orchestrated job.

Fortunately, Paris has a military fire service, with an unusually youthful, very disciplined, well trained and extremely fit workforce...

Added by Rob Johnson on 31 December 2020.

Please add your comments about this picture using the form below.

Comments

Your Name

Your email address - this will be shown on the page and will allow the system to notify you of further comments added to this picture.