Pike Poles

• Pike poles are long poles made from fiberglass or wood, with a metal hook and a sharp tip on the end. They are used to pull open walls or ceilings in burning areas. The sharp tip can puncture drywall or windows, while the hook can pull debris down.
  
  

SCBA

• Fire trucks are required to carry a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for each seat on the vehicle. The device is a mask that is worn on the face, attached to an oxygen cylinder that is strapped to the firefighter’s back. The truck must also carry an extra oxygen cylinder for each SCBA.
  
  

Axes

• A flat-head axe and a pick-head axe are required because the wide blades can efficiently chop into the door or wall of a building. The pick-head axe is better for punching and prying, while the flat-head axe also can be used a striking tool, like a hammer.
  
  

Hydrant Wrenches

• Hydrant wrenches open and shut the valves on a fire hydrant. They usually are adjustable so they can fit hydrants of different sizes.
  
  

Fire Extinguishers

• Fire trucks carry a dry chemical fire extinguisher and a water extinguisher. Dry chemical extinguishers often are more effective on certain types of fire, but they leave behind a damaging residue.