Sterling Colorado Auto Chemical And Hose Truck 1915 Real Photo Postcard

The Auto Chemical and Hose Truck represents a pivotal technological advancement in firefighting, marking the transition from horse-drawn equipment to motorized apparatus in the early 20th century. These early vehicles combined a chemical extinguishing system, typically using a soda-acid reaction to generate pressurized water for small fires, with the capacity to carry and deploy hoses for larger water sources like hydrants. This integration significantly improved fire department efficiency and response capabilities for emerging towns.