Squads are the work horses of the department. Implemented in 1984, the Squads are manned by a Lieutenant and a Firefighter. They respond to all types of alarms such as: car fires, house fires, grass fires, medical alarms, service calls (check wiring, smoke in the area, etc.). The Squads absorb much of the wear and tear the Engines were required to weather just a few years ago. This helps extend the useful life of the Engines and is very cost effective since one Engine costs as much as 10 Squads.

The Wichita Fire Department staffs 20 Engines at 18 Fire Stations across the city. Many people may have noticed that the green Engines are becoming harder to find. That is because studies have shown that the green was no more visible than the red ones, and with the special green paint costing more than the red, the switch was made. All Engines purchased by the Wichita Fire Department within the last five years have been the traditional red.

A Fire Engine is essentially a portable pump. Most WFD Engines are equipped with 1500-2000 gallon per minute pumps. Each Engine carries 700 feet of 5" hose, 1600 feet of 3" hose, 400' of 1 3/4" hose, 100' of 1" hose, SCBA's, ladders, smoke ejectors, hand tools, and various nozzles and equipment.

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