PUMPS & WATER TENDERS # 2

The UK's most common fire engine is the general-purpose pumping appliance, with over 2600 in daily frontline service. These vehicles have various designations, including Water Tender Ladder (WrL), Water Tender (WrT), Pump (P), Pump Ladder (PL), and Rescue Pump (RP). In the past, Pumps and Water Tenders were distinguished by the amount of water they carried (1800 litres to be classified as a Water Tender, less for a Pump), but now these terms are used interchangeably. Modern pumping appliances are built on commercial truck bodies from manufacturers like Volvo, Scania, Mercedes, and Iveco, with bodywork added by specialists such as Angloco, Emergency One, WH Bence, or Rosenbauer.

The front-line pump is crewed by four to six firefighters and typically carries 1800 litres of water, an internal pump of at least 500 GPM capacity (usually much higher) hose reels and hoses, and a range of ladders. A WrL or PL will usually carry a three-section 13.5m ladder although some brigades are now equiping their ladder appliances with smaller 12m or 10.5m ladders. A WrT or  Pump typically carries a two-section 9m or 10m ladder. These appliances also carry breathing apparatus, rescue and cutting equipment, and medical packs.