The Federal Fire Service has dismissed widespread public misconceptions that its fire trucks often arrive at emergency scenes without water.

In a statement shared on Tuesday, the agency clarified that all its fire trucks are equipped with between 2,000 and 5,000 litres of water or other fire-suppressing agents, depending on their design.

“Importantly, the Service does not rely on water alone. We deploy water to tackle ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth. For fires involving flammable liquids like petrol or oil, we use foam agents that smother the flames and prevent re-ignition.

“In situations involving electrical fires or flammable gases, our firefighters apply dry chemical powder, which interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire,” the agency noted.

It further noted that in situations where delicate electrical or electronic equipment is at risk, officials turn to carbon dioxide (CO₂), which extinguishes flames without leaving damaging residue.

It emphasised that the choice of extinguishing agent depends on the class of fire encountered. For instance, class A fires, such as those involving wood or paper, require less intensive resources compared to class B fires, which involve flammable liquids, or large-scale incidents like industrial or high-rise fires that often demand backup support.

The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to public safety, highlighting its focus on rapid emergency response, specialised training for firefighters, inter-agency collaboration, and continuous upgrading of equipment.