Why are fire trucks different colors?

As you can see from the pictures above, fire trucks come in many colors. Back in the 1920's most cars were painted black. To make the fire trucks stand out more, they were painted red. In the 1960's fire departments began experimenting with different colors that would make the fire trucks more visible in daylight as well as nighttime. Hence the first instance of a "lime green" color. Some departments found that the color white seemed to command authority, influencing motorists to promptly yield during responses. Today each fire department chooses their own colors for their vehicles. Some departments have even gone to a dark blue color, and some others paint murals on the sides of their fire trucks.

The Mary Esther Fire Department has chosen the traditional color red, with a black top in commemoration of our fallen Fire Fighters.

What do different colors of a Firefighter's helmet mean?

	White - Usually signify chief officers such as Battalion Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, Captains and the Fire Chief
	Yellow - Usually signify firefighters and engineers
	Red - Usually signify other officers such as lieutenants
	Black - Usually signify firefighters and engineers

Why are fire hydrants different colors?

Fire hydrants are painted different colors to allow firefighters to quickly identify flow rate of any fire hydrant. These are the four basic colors:

Red - flow rate less than 500 gallons per minute

Yellow - flow rate between 500 and 999 gallons per minute

Blue - flow rate between 1500 gallons per minute or higher

Green - flow rate between 1000 and 1499 gallons per minute

There are two types of fire hydrants, wet barrel and dry barrel. Wet barrel fire hydrants have water in the barrel at all times, whereas dry barrel hydrants do not. Dry barrel hydrants are used in areas where freezing temperatures are common.

Why shouldn't we park in fire lanes?

Firemen need a straight line approach to the fire hydrant so they can attach the hose (or hoses) to it. A fire hose with water pressure in it does not bend well, so a clear path to and from the hydrant is very important. Don't let this happen to you!!

Why are fire dogs dalmatians?

Originally dalmatians were chosen as fire dogs because they formed a strong bond with the fire horses. They guarded the valuable horses and kept them company at the station, and they also helped direct the horses during the era of horse drawn fire engines.

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