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Closer Inspection: What’s on a Montgomery County fire engine?

Admit it. Your inner child still thrills at the sight of the big, shiny fire engine going by. They’re not toys, however. Every one of Montgomery County’s 41 fire engines (plus hundreds of other vehicles) is a lifesaving machine. — Rachel Kaufman

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This is no firetruck; it’s an engine. Engines carry their own water and a pump; firetrucks do not. An engine’s water supply (750 gallons) is depleted quickly, so firefighters must find an external source. At full power, the pump can move 1,500 gallons per minute, says Rich Holzman, the county’s assistant fire/rescue chief.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

The pump panel controls all the hoses on the engine. County firefighters manually adjust pressure and flow — nothing is automatic, Holzman says. On the roof is a deck gun, which can shoot 1,000 gallons of water per minute, Holzman says.

The pump panel controls all the hoses on the engine. County firefighters manually adjust pressure and flow — nothing is automatic, Holzman says. On the roof is a deck gun, which can shoot 1,000 gallons of water per minute, Holzman says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

A thermal imager helps firefighters “see through walls” to find people, Holzman says.

A thermal imager helps firefighters “see through walls” to find people, Holzman says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Today’s hoses (a.k.a. “attack lines”) are lighter than older designs, Holzman says. Firefighters carry a 70-pound hose pack into a fire on their backs, in addition to 35 pounds of gear and a 35-pound oxygen tank.

Today’s hoses (a.k.a. “attack lines”) are lighter than older designs, Holzman says. Firefighters carry a 70-pound hose pack into a fire on their backs, in addition to 35 pounds of gear and a 35-pound oxygen tank.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Holzman says “the irons” — an axe and Halligan tool — are a firefighter’s most versatile piece of equipment, good for “prying, punching, hammering” your way into a burning building. “Always travel with a married pair,” he says.

Holzman says “the irons” — an axe and Halligan tool — are a firefighter’s most versatile piece of equipment, good for “prying, punching, hammering” your way into a burning building. “Always travel with a married pair,” he says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Holzman’s own equipment bears the mark of experience. The shield on his helmet has “seen a little bit of heat,” he says drily.

Holzman’s own equipment bears the mark of experience. The shield on his helmet has “seen a little bit of heat,” he says drily.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

Holzman says tools and vehicles have evolved over the years to become safer and more efficient. Gone are the days of “back-step riding,” when firefighters would hang off the back of a moving vehicle. “Now they have seats, seat belts and little things, like heat and air conditioning,” he says.

Holzman says tools and vehicles have evolved over the years to become safer and more efficient. Gone are the days of “back-step riding,” when firefighters would hang off the back of a moving vehicle. “Now they have seats, seat belts and little things, like heat and air conditioning,” he says.

Benjamin C. Tankersley / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST

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