The conventional fire apparatus which can also be called a fire appliance, fire tender, fire engine, water ladder, pumper or pump-ladder has several methods of pumping water onto the fire. The most common method is to pass water from a pump through hoses to the fire.
A heavy rescue vehicle is a type of specialty firefighting or emergency medical services apparatus. They are primarily designed to provide the specialized equipment necessary for technical rescue situations such as traffic collisions requiring vehicle extrication, building collapses, confined space rescue, rope rescues and swiftwater rescues.
Hydraulic Platform. A hydraulic platform, also known as articulating booms, snorkels and platform trucks,is a specialized aerial work platform designed for firefighting use. They have a number of functions, which follow the same principles as the turntable ladder, providing high level access and elevated water pump positions. Some hydraulic platforms are articulated, which allows the arm to bend in one or more places, giving it the ability to go "up and over" an obstacle.
A turntable ladder is perhaps the best-known form of special purpose aerial apparatus, and is used to gain access to fires occurring at height using a large telescopic ladder, where conventional ladders carried on conventional appliances might not reach.