PUMPS & WATER TENDERS # 3

The general-purpose pumping appliance is the most common type of fire engine in the UK, with more than 2,600 vehicles operating on the frontline each day. These appliances are known by several names, including Water Tender Ladder (WrL), Water Tender (WrT), Pump Ladder (PL), Pump (P), and Rescue Pump (RP). Historically, the terms Water Tender and Pump were used to denote the amount of water carried. A Water Tender carried 1,800 litres and was preferred by County Brigades, whereas a Pump carried less and was more common in urban Brigades. Today, however, these terms are used interchangeably.

Modern fire appliances are built on commercial truck chassis from manufacturers such as Volvo, Scania, Mercedes-Benz, and Iveco. Specialist companies, including Angloco, Emergency One, WH Bence, and Rosenbauer, then add the bodywork and equipment. A frontline pumping appliance is usually crewed by four to six firefighters, carries between 1,200 and 2,500 litres of water, has an onboard pump capable of delivering up to 4000 litres per minute, and is equipped with hose reels, hoses with branches and connectors, a variety of ladders, breathing apparatus, rescue and cutting equipment, basic medical supplies, and a range of tools for dealing with a wide range of incidents.

Water Tender Ladders and Pump Ladders typically carry a three-section 13.5-metre ladder. However, some services now use a shorter 12-metre or 10.5-metre ladders. Water Tenders and Pumps normally carry two-section ladders measuring 9 or 10 metres.