Fire trucks come in a variety of colors, though red is the most common. However, some fire departments choose to paint their trucks blue instead. There are several reasons why fire trucks can be blue rather than the traditional red.
History of Fire Truck Colors
In the early days of firefighting, there was no standard color for fire engines. Fire trucks were painted whatever color the local fire department chose. This was often red, as red paint was cheap and easy to acquire. However, other colors like white, black, green, and blue were also used.
It wasn’t until the 1930s and 40s that fire engine red became more standardized. The development of magnesium chloride as a fire retardant meant that many fire trucks were coated with this red compound. Additionally, the adoption of regulations like the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 1901 standard led to red being specified as the standard color.
Even after red was established as the norm, some fire departments continued to use other colors. For example, New York City painted their trucks black and white until 1973. Other cities chose blue for their visibility and connection to water. Blue fire trucks could be found in Seattle, Minneapolis, and San Francisco, among other places.
Benefits of Blue Fire Trucks
There are a few key reasons why some fire departments choose blue over red for their vehicles:
- Increased visibility – Some studies have suggested that blue may be more visible than red in both daytime and nighttime conditions. This could help improve safety for firefighters and civilians.
- Distinction – A different color from the norm can help fire trucks stand out from private ambulances and other emergency vehicles that are often red.
- Aesthetics – Many firefighters feel blue is a cleaner, more modern, and attractive color than red.
- Uniqueness – A blue color scheme can set a fire department apart and give it a distinctive brand.
- Tradition – For departments that have used blue for decades, it becomes part of their identity and they prefer to stick with it rather than change.
Visibility Studies
Some research has indicated that blue is intrinsically more visible to the human eye compared to red hues:
- A study in the 1960s tested observer reaction times when looking at differently colored objects. Blue objects were detected fastest.
- Tests of color visibility under low light conditions have shown blue to be more easily discernible.
- A 1990s study by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology found that blue was the most visible color for both daytime and nighttime driving conditions.
However, other studies have been inconclusive or contradicted these results. Visibility likely depends on several factors beyond just color, like lighting conditions and paint finish.
Examples of Blue Fire Trucks
Some notable fire departments using blue trucks include:
- San Francisco, California – SF Fire Department trucks are painted a distinctive robin’s egg blue.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota – The Minneapolis Fire Department has used blue since 1860.
- Fort Worth, Texas – Fort Worth Fire uses a cobalt blue color called Sparky Blue.
- Madison, Wisconsin – The Madison Fire Department switched their trucks from red to blue in the 1960s.
- Ann Arbor, Michigan – Ann Arbor fire trucks feature a sky blue and white paint scheme.
| Fire Department | Blue Color Name |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | Robin’s Egg Blue |
| Minneapolis | Minneapolis Blue |
| Fort Worth | Sparky Blue |
| Madison | Madison Blue |
| Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor Blue |
When Blue is Required
In some cases, blue is required by law or practical necessity:
- Some volunteer fire departments use blue to distinguish from red municipal trucks.
- Blue must be used for fire trucks designated as emergency medical response vehicles.
- Blue is the best color for Chromaflair reflective coatings that switch from blue to orange.
- Antique fire trucks are often painted blue since red paint was unreliable.
Blue within a Red Department
Some departments that predominantly use red trucks include blue for specialty vehicles:
- Blue trucks for battalion chiefs
- Blue Hazmat trucks
- Blue foam trucks
- Blue wildland fire trucks
This allows blue to stand out and denote unique capabilities while maintaining red as the primary color.
Cost and Maintenance
In the past, blue paint was more expensive than red, which deterred some departments from using it. However, modern automotive paints have made varied colors more affordable. Maintenance is comparable for red and blue vehicles.
Negative Perceptions of Blue
There are a few potential downsides to blue fire trucks:
- Some firefighters feel blue strays too far from tradition.
- Blue has connotations of coldness, whereas red conveys heat and energy.
- Since blue deviates from the norm, the public may perceive it as incorrect or unofficial.
- Blue trucks are sometimes harder to find child-friendly decals and accessories for.
Conclusion
While red is still the most popular color, blue fire trucks have become increasingly common over the past few decades. Modern advancements mitigate many of the downsides of blue. The choice ultimately comes down to a fire department’s preferences, brand identity, and intended messaging. Blue trucks offer enhanced visibility and distinction, while red retains bold energy and tradition.
