This 1949 gas-powered fire engine is a self-contained triple combination truck that carried ladders, water and hoses.
In the mid-19th century, firefighters used draft horses to pull steam-powered engines. The first self-propelled fire engine was built in 1841, but didn't become commonplace until much later.
An 1899 steam-powered, horse-drawn American Metropolitan fire engine. A separate wagon carrying firemen, hoses and equipment would have accompanied this engine to the scene.
A 1907 American Metropolitan fire engine is on display in front of the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium near San Franisco's City Hall.