Why Are Fire Trucks Red? (a guest post by LMCIT Field Consultant Troy Walsh)

LMCIT Field Consultant Troy
Walsh has an extensive background
in fire service and public works.

What is your favorite color for a fire truck?

One popular answer to why most fire trucks are red goes something like this: “Because they have eight wheels and four people on them, and four plus eight makes twelve, and there are twelve inches in a foot, and one foot is a ruler, and Queen Elizabeth was a ruler, and Queen Elizabeth was also a ship, and the ship sailed the seas, and there were fish in the seas, and fish have fins, and the Finns fought the Russians, and the Russian flag is red, and fire trucks are always “Russian” around, so that’s why fire trucks are red!”

Lake Crystal's fire truck is
proud to be orange!

If your city doesn't have a red fire truck, what is the reason why? There is no one answer. Over the years colors have changed because of management, tradition, or just something different. When traveling across Minnesota, you will see a lot of colors for fire trucks, but the most unique deserve a slogan!

Extension Cord Organization

Used 4" or 5" hose helps keep
extension cords organized.

Extension cords are an important tool in the Fire Service, and it is critical to store them in a ready position every time. Looking for an interesting way to store them in the cabinet, and a way to keep them organized?

Take a look around the station and see if you have old 4” or 5” hose laying around. Cut a small piece in the old hose and wrap the cord up and stick it inside. This will keep your cabinets more organized, and when moving other tools it will help reduce the risk of equipment getting tangled up. If you have a marker, you could label the hose with length and type of extension cord. There are always tricks-to-the-trade that will help make the job easier and safer!

Up Next: They are high risk, very high risk—learn more about the hazards of foot pursuits.

In the meantime, stay safe and be careful.

Rob