It has to do with back in the 1800's when Fire Departments were first starting out Firefighters wanted their trucks to be the cleanest and shinyest, red was the most expensive color and eye catching. It was a source of pride, it is also why most fire trucks have lettering in gold leaf, it was expensive and flashy. Firefighting relies a lot on tradition, so they have kept a lot of things from the past. You may see some green, yellow or blue firetrucks which are painted that way for visibility and safety, but most firefighters will tell you red is the only color a firetruck should be. Also, another interesting fact is, the cab on most trucks is a different color, like white or black or solid red, that is so when a company goes to another town or city for mutual aid, the firefighters can find their own truck in the smoke.

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