Firefighting equipment

Firefighting equipment

Since the dawn of time, red has signalled danger and the need for a firm response. Thanks to its long wavelength, red is one of the most visible colours in the colour spectrum (second only to yellow). Its ability to instantly grab people's attention is the reason why it's often used to warn people of impending danger. This is one of the reasons why fire trucks and firefighting equipment are red.

Tradition is also part of the reason. When fire trucks first appeared on the roads, there were not many red cars, so they stood out in traffic. Today there are lots of red cars on the road. This is one of the reasons not all States and Territories in Australia have red fire trucks. In the ACT the fire trucks are a lime green colour. The colour was also chosen as research has shown bright green or yellow colours are the most visible at night.