An introduction to fire boats

Far more than a floating fire engine, fire boats undertake a wide range of roles. First and foremost, these specialised watercrafts are designed for fighting fires, with the highest standards of fire safety equipment onboard to allow them to fulfil their duty.

Here, we explore how fire boats operate and when they’re used, as well as the regulations surrounding these important vessels.

What are fire boats? 

Specially equipped to tackle fire emergencies along coastlines and in docks, ports, warehouses, and ships, fire boats are water-based fire-fighting vessels managed by fire departments. With access to a virtually unlimited supply of water, a huge advantage of fire boats is that extensive amounts of water can be pumped directly from the sea, river, or other bodies of water directly from the boat’s hull, then used to extinguish fires via nozzles and hoses. Powered by diesel engines, fire boats reach top speeds of around 45 knots (51 miles per hour).

Fire boats: a brief history 

The first fire boat was built in 1765. Back then, a small craft built for the Sun Fire Insurance Company in London would be rowed to the site of an emergency by a fire brigade employed by the company. However, these fire boats were only used to tackle fires at the homes of people insured by Sun Fire.

In the late 19th century, fire boats were finally classified and fitted with fire safety equipment. The ‘Fire Queen’ made her debut at Bristol docks in 1884, boasting a three-cylinder steam pump that fed water to large hose reels, and later, a water cannon.

Today, modern fire boats are an important part of a fire department’s service, carrying out a variety of life-saving roles.

What are fire boats used for? 

Fire boats’ duties have expanded since the 1700s. As well as fighting fires across shorelines, today’s fire boats are used for a range of other crucial tasks, including:

• Rescuing vessels in emergencies, including removing passengers or crew from a watercraft in danger or towing it to safety.
• Saving people and animals from both water and the waterside.
• Cutting through ice in water to ensure safe, smooth navigation for other vessels.
• Transporting firefighters, paramedics, doctors, water rescue technicians, and other emergency personnel to sites of emergencies.
• Supplying water for the fire department in the case of a shore-side or city emergency.
• Welcome and escort important visiting vessels, such as ships with historic prominence or belonging to dignitaries. In these instances, a fire boat’s powerful hoses will be used as flamboyant ‘water features’.

What fire safety legislations are required by fire boats? 

As with all water-based vessels, boat fire safety is vital for fire boats. To reduce risks, fire boats are fitted with specialised equipment in order for firefighters to perform their jobs and ensure everyone onboard is safe.

Each fire and rescue service must develop and adhere to safe procedures, including ensuring a fire escape plan with required fire safety signs are in place. Up-to-date fire risk assessments are required to identify any potential dangers and adhere to the Rescue Boat Code for the Fire and Rescue Service. A full risk assessment will highlight all hazards and risks that come with operating water and flood environments.

The future of fireboats 

Fireboats are a vital part of the UK fire service – without them, many lives could be lost in cases the fire department cannot reach an emergency site in time. As always, strict fire safety by all can help protect people and property from fires breaking out in the first place.

For more guidance on boat fire safety and up-to-date fire safety legislations, explore our resource centre or sign up to our newsletter.