Driving a big, red fire engine is a dream for many children. But the reality is that driving a fire engine is hardly kids' stuff. You need specialized training, licensing and knowledge to first become a firefighter, and then to learn how to drive the fire engine. It may seem easy, but it's hard to make sure the fire engine is helping the public instead of hurting it.
Become a firefighter. Call your local fire department to find out how to start training for this job.
Gain the appropriate license from your state to drive a fire engine. In most states, this license is similar to a truck driver license, and it requires several hours of supervised driving in your fire department before you are let loose on the public.
Learn how to to engineer (pump) the engine. The driver of a fire engine is responsible for working all the levers and buttons that get water from the hydrant, to the engine and to the hoses. This is specialized knowledge that requires months of training as well as good math ability.
Know your engine and its contents. The driver of a fire engine is often called upon to find ladders and other equipment on short notice.
Remember that fire engines are not just big, red trucks. Many carry more than 1,000 gallons of water, and that water makes the engine stop differently compared with a regular vehicle. When the engine stops, the water is still moving, adding to the momentum.
Never back up a fire engine without a spotter (someone who stands behind the engine and tells you when it's safe to back up and when to stop). Many firefighters have been killed by engines backing into them.
