It’s a common sight – after returning from a fire call, firefighters immediately pull out the hoses and start rinsing off their fire trucks. This ritual cleaning seems to happen no matter if the trucks look dirty or not. So why do firefighters have this compulsion to wash the trucks after every run? There are several practical reasons behind this quirky firehouse tradition.
To Clean Off Debris and Chemical Residue
Fighting fires is a dirty job. Firefighters’ turnout gear and trucks inevitably get soot and ash on them from the fire. But it’s not just smoke and char – all kinds of debris can collect on the trucks from the scene of a fire or accident. Broken glass, spilled fuels and chemicals, biological matter from accidents – a truck can quickly become a hazards waste dump. Hosing off the truck immediately decontaminates any dangerous materials that may have hitched a ride back to the firehouse. The last thing firefighters want is to expose themselves or the public to hazardous materials unnecessarily when they go out on the next call. A quick wash gets rid of immediate contamination risks.
To Check for Damage and Wear
Washing the trucks allows firefighters to visually inspect the vehicles for any damage or wear. Firefighting apparatus sees heavy use and gets exposed to extreme conditions. The heat from fires can warp panels or crack lenses. Advancing hose lines rubs away paint and dents bodywork. Corrosive chemicals and fluids can eat away at pumps and valves. A wash lets crews spot any problems that may have developed during a call so that the issues can be addressed immediately rather than allowing damage to worsen through neglect. No fire department wants to have a truck break down in the middle of an emergency due to overlooked maintenance.
To Maintain Operation of Equipment
Fire trucks are packed full of gear and equipment that needs to be kept clean to stay in proper working order. Hose lines and nozzles, ventilation fans, thermal imaging cameras, extrication tools – all are vulnerable to dirt, soot and grime interfering with successful use. Door and ladder assemblies can seize up if particles get into joints and hinges. Delicate radio and electronics gear can short out if moisture and contaminants get to components. A quick rinse helps keep all equipment in optimal operating condition, ready for the next run. Cleaning is essential preventive maintenance.
To Prevent Corrosion
The metals used in fire truck construction and components are susceptible to corrosion if not kept clean and dry. The caustic ash from structure fires, acidic chemicals from hazmat spills and road salt all promote rust if left on apparatus. If corrosion is allowed to develop, it can lead to costly repairs, mechanical breakdowns and even failure. By washing trucks after every incident, departments protect the major investments their apparatus represents and extend the usable life of the vehicles. Over time the small step of regular cleaning saves tremendous amounts of money in preventing deterioration.
To Present a Professional Appearance
Well-washed rigs project an image of a professional department that takes great pride in its equipment and work. While the public understands trucks can get messy during emergencies, seeing an obviously dirty truck covered in ash sitting in the bay between calls creates a negative impression. The expectation is that trucks will be neat and orderly when not actually out on an incident. Spotless rigs convey that the department respects the trucks as critical tools enabling their lifesaving mission. Shiny fire trucks also have great public relations value, drawing positive attention and enthusiasm wherever they roll through the community.
History of the Post-Run Wash Tradition
While fundamentally practical in purpose, the tradition of washing trucks after calls also has an element steeped in firehouse culture and superstition. This quirky ritual evolved over generations of firefighters and is a practice passed down through the tight knit fire service brotherhood. Understanding the origins and evolution of the post-run wash helps explain why firefighters are so religious about keeping their trucks clean.
Horse-Drawn Era Necessity
The tradition has origins dating back over a century to the days when fire engines were pulled by teams of horses. Fire scenes were often chaotic, smokey and cramped, with poor visibility and tight spaces. Horses were easily spooked under such conditions. After returning to the station, firefighters would wash the horses to soothe them, clean their lungs, check for injuries, and prevent disease from the exposure. They also washed the wagons and steam pumpers the horses pulled to sluice away the mud, ash and layers of sweated-on soot picked up at the scene. Cleaning was the only way to make the equipment and animals ready for the next run. The process was as much for the horses’ wellbeing as maintaining operational readiness.
Mechanical Necessity Transition
As fire engines transitioned from horse-drawn wagons to powered trucks in the early 20th century, some of the cleaning routine transferred over to the new technology. The smokey residue and grime accumulation remained a problem on trucks even without the presence of horses. Frequently washing the early motorized trucks helped prevent mechanical problems and failures of the primitive engines. Without a way to quickly clean truck exteriors and moving parts between runs, departments experienced much higher breakdown rates. Washing was recognized as essential preventive maintenance to keep the trucks serving reliably.
Cultural Tradition Forms
Over generations, the washing regimen became ingrained as standard practice in firehouses. Frequent truck cleaning evolved into a regular ritual and unofficial requirement even as truck technology improved. Rookies were indoctrinated into the cultural norm and expectations that trucks get washed after calls as a point of pride and professionalism. As an ingrained practice it became a tradition in the fire service brotherhood, with failure to wash trucks carrying a stigma for negligence and disregard of duty.
Superstition and Luck
Over time, the truck washing also took on elements of superstition and luck among firefighters. With their dangerous profession and constant risks on the job, firefighters are notoriously superstitious about practices that keep them safe. Washing the trucks became viewed as a way to purge any bad karma or spiritual residue picking up from emergency scenes. A proper cleaning was considered necessary to “reset” the truck between runs and maintain the luck of the crew. Firefighters are very wary to ignore superstitions that may keep misfortune at bay. Letting trucks return unwashed tempted fate asking for trouble on the next call.
When are Trucks Washed
While trucks are washed frequently, departments do follow some general guidelines on when cleanings are necessary and appropriate. Truck cleaning is integrated into the regular rhythms and routines of firehouse life.
After Returning from Any Emergency Call
The most common time to wash trucks is immediately after returning from any emergency run. This includes fires, medical calls, accidents and specialized rescue responses. No matter how clean a truck may look, it will get a rinse to decontaminate and check for any issues. Firefighters will not take the chance of missing a hazard because the truck “looks” clean. Truck checks are part of a standard post-run checklist.
After Training Exercises
Washes are also standard after trucks are used for training drills. Training exercises may involve forcing entry, breaking glass, spraying water, ventilating roofs, assaulting fires – any activity that could leave some mess behind. A wash down ensures no debris is tracked back or damages the truck. It also ingrains the cleaning habit in new firefighters and passed-down tradition.
After Being Out in Bad Weather
Trucks that have been caught out in storms, heavy rain, snow accumulations or other adverse weather will be rinsed off upon returning to the firehouse. This removes any corrosive road salts, oils or grime that could cause deterioration if left to sit. It also gives an opportunity to spot any water intrusion or electrical issues before sending the truck back out on another call.
When Changing Shifts
Many departments will make sure trucks get washed before the end of a shift rotation when a new crew comes on duty. This provides the incoming team a clean rig to start their tour and enables inspection for any damage or problems the previous crew may have missed. It is considered bad form to leave a dirty truck for the next shift.
Before Special Events or Ceremonies
Trucks will receive extra cleaning and polishing before any ceremonies, parades, funerals, open houses or other formal events. Special event truck washes display pride and respect for the occasion and institution. The full soap, water and wax treatment adds that extra shine and professional touch to make the rigs stand out.
When Time Allows in the Station
Firefighters keep an eye out for down time around the firehouse between emergency calls to wash trucks. The routine task gives them something productive to do during slow periods. Keeping trucks constantly clean spreads the work around rather than letting it pile up into a bigger project. It also ensures crews are always ready to respond with a clean rig regardless of call volume.
How Trucks are Washed
While the basic job is simply spraying down and rinsing the trucks, firefighters have established some common techniques and procedures to accomplish the task efficiently. Washing rigs involves some unique challenges not present with washing the average vehicle.
Typically Hand Washing
Most fire truck washing is done by hand using pressure washers and foam soap solutions. Commercial automated truck washes are avoided except for occasional deep cleanings. Hand washing allows careful inspection of the rigs and reaching tight spots. The high-powered wands and foaming soap provide plenty of cleaning ability without need for mechanical systems. Hand washing also gives crews productive activity during downtime around the station.
Start High and Work Down
When hand washing trucks, firefighters are trained to start spraying at the top and work down systematically. This prevents soap and rinse water from dirtying already cleaned areas below. Washing the roof and upper surfaces first rinses contaminants down the sides into collection drains under the truck. The final spray targets the undercarriage last. Following this top-down pattern produces the most efficient results.
Use Soft Wash Brushes in Sensitive Areas
For areas like mirrors, lenses, graphics and delicate equipment, soap and water is applied using soft brushes instead of direct wand sprays. This protects components that could be damaged by high pressure rinsing. Soft washing ensures no parts are overlooked while still being gentle on fragiletruck elements.
Dry with Squeegee and Towels
Once soap and loose dirt is rinsed free, firefighters go over the truck using squeegees to direct water off surfaces. Any residual droplets and hidden moisture gets wiped away with chamois towels. The drying prevents water spots and streaking on freshly cleaned paint and chrome. It also prevents pooling that could enter crevices and openings. Proper drying completes the wash.
Clean Inside Cab and Compartments
In addition to washing the exterior truck body, firefighters will also clean inside the cab and storage compartments when time allows. Any trash, dirt or soot accumulation gets removed to maintain orderliness and functionality. Special attention is giving to cleaning radios, electronics and equipment. Operational readiness means keeping truck interiors clean too.
Check All Surfaces for Problems
As trucks are washed from top to bottom, firefighters make a point to inspect all apparatus surfaces for any issues during the process. Cracks, leaks, malfunctions, damaged parts, and wear will be immediately identified and addressed. Problems get reported and scheduled for repair rather than letting them linger.
Specialty Cleaning and Repair
While regular washing after every run covers basic cleaning needs, fire trucks also require more extensive specialty cleaning and repairs to keep them in peak condition.
Scheduled Deep Cleanings
About once a year, fire trucks will be scheduled for comprehensive deep cleaning services. This involves thoroughly washing, degreasing and waxing the entire truck, inside and out, using commercial grade soaps, polishes and cleaning equipment. Deep cleaning removes embedded grime that regular washes cannot address. The extensive process restores rigs to like-new condition.
Commercial Wash and Wax
Some departments will utilize commercial truck wash and detailing businesses to perform rotating deep cleanings. The heated high pressure spray, specialized chemicals and mechanical scrubbers available produce truck-showroom level results. The intensive full-service treatments far exceed what can be achieved with standard firehouse washdowns.
Paint Correction and Restoration
Over years of wear and tear, fire truck paint eventually develops scratches, oxidation, clouding and fading issues. To address this, many departments will schedule professional paint correction and ceramic coatings to restore the finish. This provides a protective layer and renewed gloss to extend the good looks of aging apparatus.
Chrome Polishing
The shiny chrome components on fire trucks also require special care and repair. Frequent use causes chrome and stainless steel parts to become dull, stained and pitted. Departments will utilize professional polishing services periodically to resurface and protect chrome pieces. This returns damaged chrome to a mirror-like luster.
Interior Deep Cleaning
Truck cabs and compartments occasionally need extensive interior detail cleaning to keep them functional. Built up dirt inside radios, electronics, gauges, buttons, vents and storage lockers gets removed. This prevents damage and keeps the interior working areas clean.
Gear and Equipment Maintenance
The lifesaving gear and equipment loaded on fire trucks requires its own regular inspection, testing and maintenance procedures between calls. Firefighters perform extensive checks, preventive upkeep, cleaning and repairs to keep all truck systems and components ready for immediate use.
Benefits of Keeping Trucks Clean
Beyond aesthetic and traditional reasons, there are many tangible benefits firefighters enjoy by making apparatus cleaning a top priority around the firehouse.
Ensures Operational Readiness
Clean rigs minimize any downtime or breakdowns. All components function at peak capacity needed for emergency response. A dirty truck can neither protect lives nor property if it fails to start or operate when needed most.
Firefighter Safety
Washing off chemical residue, biohazards and debris protects firefighters from dangerous exposures when using the trucks on future calls. You cannot effectively rescue others in contaminated gear and apparatus.
Public Safety
Clean trucks prevent community exposure to hazardous substances firefighters encounter when the rigs are housed in stations and parked visibly around town. Pollutants and toxins can’t be tracked into public spaces on dirty trucks.
Department Reputation
Keeping trucks polished and professional looking at all times projects an image of service and competence the public expects from emergency services agencies. It demonstrates duty and care.
Morale and Pride
Spotless apparatus is a point of great personal pride among firefighters. Immaculate trucks uplift station morale and create positive energy for crews starting each shift.
Investment Protection
Frequent washing saves departments thousands in unnecessary repairs and replacement costs over the years of frontline service expected from trucks. Preventing corrosion and deterioration avoids major expense.
Enhanced Visibility
Shiny rigs are highly visible when responding through traffic. Grimy trucks blend into their surroundings, creating unnecessary risk. Cleanliness saves critical seconds of recognition on emergency runs.
Conclusion
While the public may not always notice or think about this peculiar firehouse ritual, the strong tradition of washing trucks after every run serves critical practical purposes for firefighters. The practice protects lives and property by keeping apparatus in optimal working order. For departments, clean trucks represent a source of pride, professionalism and investment into the community they serve. So next time you see firefighters out spraying down the truck after a call – they are ensuring it is ready for the next run that could help save your life! This ingrained fire service cultural tradition supports the critical mission of serving the public.