The introduction of motorized apparatus had a
profound impact on the fire service. Gasoline powered rigs greatly
reduced response time, especially on long runs where the horses would
tire. As well as propelling the vehicle, the motor could supply pump
power, generate electric lighting, or provide PTO power for
hydraulics, etc.
Motor apparatus quickly proved to be very cost
effective. Their utilization led to lower manpower requirements on a
per capita population basis than in the previous eras.
Fire apparatus builders used chassis built by
Ford, General Motors Corp., Reo, Gotfredson, etc. as the basis for
their lines of pumpers, ladder trucks, etc.
The larger companies building fire apparatus such as
Seagrave and American LaFrance introduced their own custom units,
designed and built "from the ground up" in their own factories. Both
custom and commercial chassis were used from early times by Canadian
departments.
Apparatus: early years
- hose truck
- chemical and hose truck
- pumping engine and hose truck
- pumper, chemical and hose truck
- ladder truck
- ladder truck with pump
- aerial ladder truck
- etc.
1950 Bickle Seagrave custom 85 foot aerial ladder truck, ex-Ottawa,
actively used for Museum events
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