By: Emergent Team
Fire Truck Technology: The Fire Trucks of the Future
For over a century, fire apparatus design has reflected a balance of power, practicality, and protection. But in recent years, fire truck technology has evolved beyond mechanical innovation, it's now about data, connectivity, and sustainability. Modern fire departments are looking to optimize readiness, improve firefighter safety, and enhance operational efficiency through integrated technology. From electrification to vehicle intelligence, the fire truck is no longer just a vehicle, it’s a connected command platform on wheels.
Advancements in Fire Truck Technology
Over the past decade, fire trucks have transformed from manually operated rigs into digitally integrated response tools. Manufacturers and software developers are working together to embed smart systems that streamline maintenance, improve response accuracy, and reduce cognitive load for firefighters on scene.
Features such as real-time telematics, integrated diagnostics, and connected safety systems have become standard in many apparatus fleets. The goal is not only to enhance performance, but also to create a safer, more sustainable, and more predictable response environment.
Technologies Changing the Fire Truck
Today’s fire trucks are being shaped by several groundbreaking technologies that are defining the future of emergency response.
Electrification
The shift toward electric fire apparatus is one of the most significant changes in the industry. Electric vehicles reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and deliver instant torque for rapid acceleration. Departments across the country, from Los Angeles to Madison, are already testing or deploying electric pumpers.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication
Through V2V communication, fire trucks can share real-time data with other emergency vehicles and infrastructure. This allows for synchronized routing, intersection preemption, and greater situational awareness when multiple agencies respond to the same incident.
Telematics and Fleet Intelligence
Advanced telematics systems, such as Pierce ClearSky, gather continuous vehicle and system performance data. When integrated with platforms like Emergent Fleet, this data gives departments actionable insights for predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending equipment life.
Augmented Reality and Heads-Up Displays
Emerging AR systems are beginning to appear in pilot programs, giving firefighters the ability to view maps, hydrant locations, or hazard data directly on in-cab displays or visors—keeping critical information in view while maintaining focus on the mission.
Data Integration and Command Connectivity
With platforms like the Emergent Tactical Board, vehicle and responder data converge into one operational view. Incident commanders can visualize apparatus status, track crew assignments, and monitor conditions in real time, turning once-disconnected systems into a unified command ecosystem.
The History of Technology in Fire Trucks
Fire truck innovation dates back to the early 20th century when horse-drawn wagons transitioned to motorized apparatus. Over the years, advancements such as onboard pumps, aerial ladders, and radio communications redefined what was possible.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the introduction of computerized control panels and automatic transmissions made trucks easier to operate. By the 2000s, GPS navigation, mobile data terminals (MDTs), and diagnostics software had become the norm. Today, digital systems are integrated from end to end, linking apparatus performance, firefighter accountability, and operational intelligence in one connected workflow.
The Road Ahead
Fire truck technology will continue to evolve as departments demand greater efficiency, transparency, and safety. Whether it’s electric powertrains, smarter diagnostics, or integrated command tools, each innovation represents progress toward a safer, more connected fire service.
At Emergent, we’re proud to help departments bridge that gap, connecting in-cab intelligence, telematics, and data into one seamless operational picture. Because the fire truck of the future isn’t just built for response, it’s built for awareness. Contact us today.
