What is the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck?

A fire engine carries a variety of different diameter hose. Some of this is to transport water from the fire hydrant to the fire engine, and others to fight fire. The engine also has a centrifugal pump capable of pumping 1,500 gpm, and a tank that carries 500 gallons of water. The engine is also equipped with all the paramedic equipment needed for any type of medical aid call. The engine has one captain, an engineer (driver), a firefighter, and one firefighter/paramedic.

The truck on the other hand carries a wide variety of tools which the firefighters use on many different types of calls. Some of the tools include: multiple forcible entry tools, two water vacuums and salvage equipment to save property and reduce property damage. Hydraulic tools typically called the “Jaws of Life” which we use to extricate victims from traffic accidents. There is also an array of ground ladders as well as a 100ft aerial ladder. The truck carries all the basic medical equipment used for a 911 medical aid call. The truck has one captain, one engineer, two firefighters and the tiller-member who drives the back part of the truck.