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 numerous designations, including Water Tender Ladder (WrL), Water Tender (WrT), Pump (P), Pump Ladder (PL) and Rescue Pump (RP). Historically, Pumps and Water Tenders were differentiated by the amount of water they carried (1800 litres to be classed as a Water Tender, less for a Pump), but these terms are now used interchangeably. Modern pumping appliances are built on commercial truck bodies from companies such as 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 / PL will usually carry a three-section 13.5m ladder, whereas a WrT / Pump typically carries a two-section 9m or 10m ladder). These appliances also carry breathing apparatus, rescue and cutting equipment, and medical packs.