The first fire engines certainly predate the automobile; steam-powered fire engines were first used in the mid-nineteenth century. They were certainly quite lowly before the introduction of the movable fire apparatus.
By the turn of the century, they took the form of horse-drawn or automobile versions with hand water pumps mounted on the back. The first fire machine was in fact used by the Cincinnati fire agency in the 1850's. These represented a big shift from earlier methods of fighting fires, along with bucket lines. Still, they looked nothing like contemporary fire engines or even those that would appear by 1900. Most engines of this era were found in urban cities Because of slight demand, the trucks from 1900-1960 were ordinarily slight to unique designs from local manufacturers.
Hood
Not only were there countless fire apparatus manufacturers, but there were also many competitive departments in most cities of this early era. Until professional departments were developed, these volunteer brigades often fought against each other, trying to outdo each other by obtaining the biggest and best fire engines. Because red was the most costly paint color, most crews ended up painting their trucks red, a tradition that stuck. The color red was also chosen because of the stark difference with most early cars, which were black.
By the turn of the century, fire trucks became more and more principal as many towns switched from volunteer to professional fire departments. Crowded cities required newer technology with sufficient water pumps that were more movable than former steam-driven fire engines. Still, many smaller fire departments prolonged to use steam powered fire engines until as late as 1920. In fact, the term "fire truck" did not come to replace the earlier "fire engine" or "fire apparatus" until the 1930's. However, by 1910 to 1920 motorized fire trucks became lowly in most cities.
Many small fellowships still took part in the improvement of fire trucks once they were no longer steam-powered. By 1913, the Ahrens-Fox Manufacturing firm of Cincinnati became well-known for replacing horse-drawn fire engines with fire trucks. However, possibly the most predominant constructor of fire apparatus is Mack Trucks, a firm that began building fire trucks nearby 1911. With a characteristic snub-nosed hood, the Mack truck earned the name "Bull Dog" for its performance. Mack trucks were produced in one form or an additional one all the way until 1990, manufacture them one of the most recognizable types of vintage fire trucks.
By 1960, the roots of the contemporary fire apparatus could clearly be seen. 1950's and 1960's trucks came standard with contemporary water pumps. The 1930's to the 1960's also saw the improvement of an aerial ladder for reaching tall buildings. The longest aerial ladders have reached a height of 150 feet, sometimes even requiring their own trucks. Also while the 1960's, the first diesel fire trucks were developed. Although the firefighters using most early fire engines sat on the sides of the engines or even on the rear, modernized fire trucks included fully enclosed seats for the crew.
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