Fire Engines Photos

The use of tractor-trailer combinations by fire services is generally rather uncommon anywhere. The largest fleet I have ever come across or heard about was the collection of around forty maximum GCTW water tanker trailers and tractor units in Kuwait city's main central fire station. Although the city of three million had a modern fleet of appliances based at 28 fire stations, much of the city lacked water mains and hydrants. Each station therefore had a tanker with 6,000 to 12,000 liters on board to support the first due pumper(s), but this huge fleet of centrally located tanker trailers was the only practical way to deal with serious major fires.

Ed: NW England had a number of these, but not just there. I have a draft article is preparation on fire service semi trailers in the uk.

After discharging their load at the fireground, they went to the nearest municipal water tower distribution location to refill and then return to the incident. As I recall, there were around ten of these locations, where desalinated Gulf water was stored for municipal distribution. The city also had a large fleet of tankers used to supply water throughout the city for drinking and cleaning, but these were smaller, and not generally available for fire service use because they were already out and about making regular deliveries.

Added by Rob Johnson on 22 January 2022.

Rob, as I am sure that you are aware tractor drawn aerials are commonly found across the USA. In fact in recent years their popularity has increased, despite the cost of this particular set up.

Added by Andy Fish on 23 January 2022.

I was thinking about units like the one in the photo, where any custom trailer can be attached to a standard commercial tractor unit. The tiller aerials are a bit different, as the two halves are not of any use when separated.

Added by Rob Johnson on 25 January 2022.

Liverpool Fire Brigade took delivery of 2 tractor units in 1963, an Austin FFK and a BMC FJK along with 5 semi-trailers which were former brewery trailers converted by brigade workshops. They were used as a Heavy Water Unit, Canteen Unit, Bulk Foam Unit, Ships Unit and Marine Pumps Unit. They survived until about 1979/1980.
Ed: see




Added by Andy Daley on 29 January 2022.

Andy: It was actually quite a good way to operate rarely-needed highly specialized units like this example at minimal cost, but was never a very popular idea in many British brigades. Some countries' fire services, including notably Germany, did - and still do - operate loads of single (and a few double) axle trailers to carry special equipment. These are usually towed by regular pump appliances, but this approach never caught on in the UK either.

Added by Rob Johnson on 02 February 2022.

Petros: Any update on your research into "articulated" fire appliances in the UK?

Ed; I'll email you off line Rob.

Added by Rob Johnson on 19 May 2022.

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