Patch Asks Intermountain: What's the Difference Between an Engine and a Truck?

In January, we asked readers what they would ask one of our volunteer firefighters over at Intermountain Fire and Rescue.

The department was established by "a concerned group of citizens who wanted to provide better fire protection for their community" and serves an area of 125 square miles bordering Ramona, Julian, Lake Henshaw and Palomar Mountain.

Readers submitted a variety of questions on the comments, like "How does it feel fighting fire?" and "How many calls do you get on a weekly basis?"

This week, Jesse Carbajal tells readers what the main difference is between a fire truck and a fire engine:

"My name is Jesse Carbajal, I'm a firefighter here at Intermountain Fire and Rescue. I've been here since 2006 and I would love to be a full-time, career-paid firefighter.

What's the difference between a fire truck and a fire engine?

An engine carries water and a truck doesn't. A truck also has roughly a 105- to 110-foot extension ladder on top.

Their complements are mainly going to be rescues and ventilation.

Have a burning question? Submit it in the comments below or to melissa.phy@patch.com

Patch would like to put out a special thanks to the Intermountain Fire and Rescue Department for not only volunteering their efforts as firefighters, but for also giving time to Patch and the community for Firefighter Friday!