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The first fire engines in the U.S., called hand pumpers, were shipped to New York from England in the 1700s. Water was pumped from the tub by volunteers working long, parallel handles on the truck. American manufacturers produced similar hand pumpers until the early 1800s, when the steam pumper was developed, which supplied a continuous stream of water more effectively.

The earliest fire trucks were hand pulled to the scene, but by the mid-1800s, horses were ...

If you're interested in collecting vintage fire trucks or apparatus, some of the manufacturer names you'll want to explore include Waterous, Ahrens-Fox, Dedrick, Mack Trucks, Peter Pirsch and Sons, American LaFrance, New Stutz Fire Engine Company, Seagrave, Sutphen, Babcock, Snorkel, Spartan Chassis, Inc. and Emergency One. You may also want to consider starting with vintage model fire trucks, which take up considerably less space!

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Recent News: Fire Trucks

Source: Google News

PATRICK'S PEOPLE: Dan Knaup's 1947 Crosley truck is a rare collectible
Pittsburg Morning Sun, February 7th

“Crosley didn't make a fire truck,” Knaup said. “This was a pick-up truck that was made into a fire truck.” He has been a Crosley fan for many years. “I surely caught the antique car 'bug' from my dad, Ray Knaup, who was an avid collector,” Knaup said...Read more

Salem may get firefighting museum
Eagle Tribune, February 7th

Firefighting memorabilia now at the town museum would be moved to Hose House 2, Breen said. The chief said he knows of many other items local firefighters would want to display at the new facility. That includes a 1955 B Model Mack, an antique fire...Read more

Readers share their special wedding stories
Peoria Journal Star, February 4th

By Anonymous Wedding shoes decorated with jeweled spiders, riding on an antique fire truck, twins having a joint ceremony - the Journal Star asked readers to share their stories on what made their weddings special or unique...Read more

Antique fire gear on display at Gettysburg event
Yorkdispatch.com, February 3rd

The four-day event began Wednesday and culminates with the antique and modern fire truck display on Saturday. The display is open to the public and free to attend, said Ken Bouhl, a co-organizer. The conference will be held at the Eisenhower Hotel...Read more

Colorado man killed when pickup collides with fire truck in Fayette County
Memphis Commercial Appeal, January 31st

By Kevin McKenzie A 69-year-old Colorado man died while his female passenger and three volunteer firefighters were injured in a crash Monday involving a pickup truck and a fire truck on Interstate 40 in Fayette County. The Tennessee Highway Patrol...Read more

Firefighting history finds permanent home
Stock Journal, January 29th

SOME of South Australia's firefighting history may soon have a permanent base in the South East, offering the public a chance to view appliances and memorabilia and to learn about the history of the Country Fire Service. Naracoorte's SA Volunteer Fire...Read more

You haven't lived here until ... you go to the antique toy and firehouse museum
Detroit Free Press, January 21st

WHERE DOES THE "ANTIQUE" COME IN? Also on display are firefighting equipment and fire wagons from the 1800s -- the oldest was used in 1854 -- and 12000 decades-old, fire-themed toys from companies as diverse as Buddy-L, Con-Cor, Nylint, Tonka,...Read more

Antique Fire Truck Returns to Junction City Fire Department
KEZI TV, January 12th

A fire truck that the Junction City Fire Department got rid of 80 years ago has made its way back in the firehouse. It used to tow equipment to fires, but eventually the fire department decided they didn't need it any longer...Read more