What is the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine?

Answer by  ninjakitty (55)

A fire truck typically is a simple ladder truck while a fire engine is a truck with a water pump. Not all fire trucks carry water and not all fire engines have ladders. Ladder companies typically perform search/rescue functions while engine companies put out fires. Many smaller fire departments do, however, use trucks which are a ladder/pump combination.

Answer by  69nova (389)

The difference between a fire truck and fire engine is that the fire engine's are generally the very large trucks,such as a ladder truck. The fire truck would cover all of the trucks that the fire department uses. So only the very large semi chassis trucks would be considered a fire engine.

Answer by  Anonymous

Engines have hoses and put out the fire. Ladders or Trucks (used interchangeably in the fire service) have ladders. They vent the building of heat and smoke as well as search for victims and extension of fire.