Aerial apparatus is a form of fire apparatus that can be used for an elevated master stream (A master stream is a fire service term for a water stream of 350 gallons per minute or more. Master streams are often found at the end of aerial ladders, tele-squirt nozzles, or monitor nozzles.), high-angle rescue, and ventilation.

Types of Aerials:

• Aerial ladder—this aerial may or may not have a pre-piped waterway to operate the elevated master stream.
• Aerial platform—unlike the aerial ladder, a firefighter can actually move the platform from the bucket on the tip of the aerial. For this reason the platform trucks are better suited for rescue.
• Aerial water tower—this truck usually has a very high volume pump and is capable of delivering 1000 to 5000 gpm.
• Quint—most modern aerial ladders and platforms qualify for the "quint" (five uses) designation. This means the truck has five major components, a water pump, water tank, aerial ladder, ground ladders and hoses.
• Articulating boom or Snorkel—similar to the articulating boom truck used for tree trimming and power line work, but is usually equipped with a pre-piped waterway and master stream nozzle.