As the urban
skyline rose and horse power gave way to motorization, the need increased for
better ladders and other aerial equipment to fight fires in tall buildings.
Ladders grew longer and the trucks that carried them evolved. Improved aerial
ladders were fixed to truck beds and new methods were devised to get water and
fire-fighters to building heights. The hundreds of unique and dramatic photos
that pack this volume feature fire trucks equipped with a wide spectrum of
devices evolved over more than a century, including aerial ladders, elevating
platforms, aerial ladder platforms, and water towers. The book illustrates the
evolution of the styles and function of the vital 'hook-and-ladder trucks' that
are an integral part of fire departments throughout the United
States. The book contains more than 320
photographs, including rare, historic photos and dramatic colour
shots.
