For a demonstration, click here . The two basic firefighting units in most fire departments are engine companies and ladder companies. Engine companies operate trucks called engines, which carry a pump and hoses for spraying water on a fire.
Ladder companies use ladder trucks, which carry ladders of various lengths.
Ladder trucks also have a hydraulically extendable ladder or elevating platform to rescue people through windows or to spray water from a raised position. Both kinds of trucks also have other rescue equipment and firefighting tools. At a fire, engine and ladder companies work together under the direction of an officer of the fire department. After an alarm is received, the engine and ladder companies hurry to the fire. They often arrive within a few minutes after receiving the alarm.