BALTIMORE — The Baltimore City Fire Department’s newest Seagrave fire engine is arriving with unique colors that made their apparatus easily and quickly recognizable decades ago.
In 1970’s, the fire department transitioned to a white and orange color scheme for its apparatus. The new design featured white as the primary color with orange fenders and trim. This change was part of a broader initiative to adopt the city’s new colors, with the orange shade specifically referred to as Omaha Orange.
- Chassis: Capitol
- Engine: Cummins L9, 450 HP
- Pump Type: Waterous 2000 GPM, Single Stage, CSU
- Body Style: Stainless Steel Body
- Water Tank Capacity: 500 gallons
- Wheelbase: 177.50"
Why paint fire trucks orange and white?
The adoption of the orange and white color scheme was primarily aimed at enhancing the visibility of fire apparatus. The bright Omaha Orange was chosen to make the vehicles more noticeable, improving safety during emergency responses.
Were Baltimore fire trucks ever red?
In the 2000s, the Baltimore City Fire Department began transitioning back to the traditional red and white color scheme for its apparatus. This marked a return to the traditional look commonly associated with fire departments across the country.
The distinctive orange and white fire engines remain a notable part of Baltimore’s firefighting history, reflecting the department’s ongoing efforts to balance tradition with advancements in safety and visibility.
