LibGuides: History of the U.S. Fire Service: Apparatus and Equipment History

Web Resources

American Memory
A digital record of American history from the collections of the Library of Congress and other institutions.
Digital Public Library of America
Brings together materials from America's libraries, archives, and museums and makes it freely available.
Escape Through Time
This webpage accompanies PBS' Nova series on Escape Through Fire, and details the history of many facets of firefighting tools and technologies.
Fire Files Digital Library
This digital library, created by a librarian who works at the U.S. Fire Administration library, contains collections and exhibits to preserve fire service history.
Fire ReSearch Engine
This search engine was designed to search relevant fire service and research literature. Many U.S. and international publications are indexed and searched by this engine.
Globe Manufacturing: 125 Years and Counting
This Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment article discusses the Globe Manufacturing company, which is often credited with the creation of turnout gear.
History of the Blue "Star of Life"
This page, provided by the city of Albuquerque, discusses in detail the history of EMS' Star of Life symbol.
IFSTA Research Library
The library website for the International Fire Service Training Association provides information about the library and archives, links to the online catalog, and contact information for reference requests.
Warrenville Fire Protection District
This webpage from the Warrenville Fire Protection District details the history of many firefighting traditions, equipment, and symbols.

About this page

Use the resources on this page to research and learn about fire apparatus and equipment history.

Titles from the IFSI Library

Click on a link below to view the item in the catalog. If an item is not linked, please contact the library to request access at 217-333-8925.

The World Encyclopedia of Fire Engines and Firefighting by Neil Wallington
Call Number: TH9116 .W35 2003
ISBN: 0754820793
Publication Date: 2012-12-16
This book is an illustrated guide to fire trucks around the world, with 700 pictures of modern and historical apparatus.
Those Magnificent Old Steam Fire Engines by W. Fred Conway
Call Number: TH9376 .C66 1997
ISBN: 0925165190
Publication Date: 1996-08-01
Steam fire engines soon revolutionized firefighting throughout the world. Designed to be the definitive reference work on steam engines, this book is for casual readers as well as fire-buffs.
Modern Fire Trucks by Kent Parrish
ISBN: 1583883169
Publication Date: 2014-11-19
The progression of American fire apparatus since the romantic horse-drawn era has truly been amazing, with the elementary steam engines and wagons of yesteryear evolving into a multitude of technologically advanced modern rigs. This volume highlights fire trucks from 1980 to present, the culmination of the 20th Century into a new Millennium.
Fire Engines in North America by Shelia Buff
Call Number: Q. TH9371 .S31F514
ISBN: 1555216749
Publication Date: 1991-09-01
This is a comprehensive look at firefighting in the US, from the leather fire buckets of colonial times to the latest quick-attack pumpers and aerial rigs of today.