An electric fire engine is a fire engine that is powered by an electric motor—essentially, an electric vehicle designed and used for firefighting. Electric fire engines were first proposed in the 19th century to replace the steam pumpers used for firefighting. The electric motor was claimed to be simpler, cleaner, and faster in operation, would save money, and require less maintenance than the steam fire engine. Though production of most electric-powered fire engines ended in the early 20th century when they were superseded by diesel-powered fire engines, they have seen a revival in the 21st century, with fire engine manufacturers such as Rosenbauer and Pierce Manufacturing designing their own electric fire engines.
A Rosenbauer RT electric fire engine used by the Ennepetal Feuerwehr
Electric fire engine (left) next to a typical 19th-century steam pumper fire engine of equal capacity, c. 1895
Wheeler's patented electric fire engine, the first such design
A sketch of an electric fire engine, circa 1900
A fire engine, fire truck, or fire ambulance is a vehicle, usually a specially-designed or modified truck, that functions as a firefighting apparatus. The primary purposes of a fire engine include transporting firefighters and water to an incident as well as carrying equipment for firefighting operations in a fire drill. Some fire engines have specialized functions, such as wildfire suppression and aircraft rescue and firefighting, and may also carry equipment for technical rescue.
A Scania P280 fire engine used by the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England
Front of a MAN fire engine with built-in winch, e.g. for towing damaged cars. The shackles serve a similar purpose.
An E-One engine with the Boston Fire Department
A Scania engine with the Södertörn fire service