Lighting

Most modern fire apparatus are well equipped with emergency lights to clear traffic and with scene lights to illuminate the work area at night. Smaller lights are powered off the vehicles electrical system but the introduction of small lightweight generators allows many vehicles to carry larger work lights of 1000w or more. These lights may be mounted on telescoping masts providing lighting to a large area or be portable allowing them to be carried close to the work or inside the building. One of the most common portable lights is the Circle D light although halogen type work lights are becoming quite common.

Most apparatus also include small lights to illuminate compartment interiors, steps and work areas such as pump panels. I have provided a few examples of tail lights and emergency lights but these are so numerous it is more practical to refer to manufacturer websites and many are included in the links section.


Circle D portable light The Circle D light has been used by the fire service since the 1950's. It uses 150-300w incandescent bulbs	Circle D portable light This is a modernized version of the Circle D light with a 300w bulb	Circle D portable light This is a modernized version of the Circle D light with a 500w halogen bulb	Halogen portable light An example of a portable halogen work light

Scene light This light has a pair of halogen lights inside a standard warning light cover. It runs off standard 12v power system	Scene light This is a light on a flexible mounting, it uses a flood or spotlight bulb. It runs off of a standard 12v system.	Scene light Another view of the light, these lights are very common on the back of fire apparatus	Scene light Another view of the light

Telescoping scene light Another type of halogen telescoping light. It requires a generator or inverter system to power it	Telescoping scene light Close up of the light	Telescoping scene light This is a telescoping scene light that uses a 1000w halogen light. It requires a generator or inverter system to power it	Telescoping scene light Another view of the light

Telescoping scene light This is a scene light that uses 3 spot or floodlights on a telescoping mount. It runs off of a standard 12v power system

Step light This is a light used near steps, pump panels or other areas requiring illumination. It uses a 12v bulb like those in a marker or tail light	Mars light Also known as the 888 or Light from Mars. This is a warning light adapted from train locomotives	Mars light These lights are generally mounted in pairs on the front of the apparatus. The light mount travels trough a figure 8 pattern greatly increasing its warning power over a standard fixed warning light	Warning strobe This is a common style of warning light, it uses a strobe light or halogen light. It is available in many colors

Tail light This is an example of the rear lights on an apparatus using a variety of standard light covers. Similar covers are used for scene lighting or warning lights	Tail light This is an example of another common type of light housing used for the rear lighting on apparatus	Tail light Another type of light housing	Tail light Another style of light housing