Section 390.3T(f)(5) provides an exemption from the FMCSRs for the operation of fire trucks and rescue vehicles while such vehicles are being used in emergency and related operations. What is meant by the phrase “fire trucks and rescue vehicles?

Guidance: For the purposes of § 390.3T(f)(5), the term “fire trucks and rescue vehicles” should be considered to include a wide range of fire and rescue apparatus used by fire fighters, such as, but not limited to, pumper trucks (which may or may not be equipped with water tanks) and rescue trucks (used to transport a crew and various emergency equipment; they may or may not be equipped with water pumping equipment) used primarily or exclusively for fire and rescue operations.

The term “fire trucks and rescue vehicles” should not be considered to include certain wildfire suppression services support vehicles such as: trucks operated by caterers or other food vendors; cargo tank vehicles and trailers operated by water supply companies; cargo tank vehicles and trailers used to transport fuel for helicopters and auxiliary equipment such as generators; vehicles used to transport tents (or other temporary shelters), portable showers, or portable/mobile restrooms; or, buses designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Although cargo tank vehicles and trailers operated by water supply companies should not be considered fire trucks or rescue vehicles, wildfire suppression efforts that require significant use of water supply companies are likely to result in the declaration of an emergency, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T. If an emergency is declared, all motor carriers, including water supply companies, providing direct assistance (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T) in responding to the emergency would be covered by § 390.23, an exception to all of the requirements of 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399.