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Back in orange: Baltimore’s new fire engine revives ’70s-era color

The new Engine 23 from Seagrave revives the department’s 1970s-era Omaha Orange and white color scheme to enhance visibility and honor its history

BaltimoreCityFireDepartment.jpg

Engine 23, a 2024 Seagrave Capitol pumper with a 500-gallon tank and 2,000 gpm pump.

Baltimore City Fire Department/Facebook

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.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.