What kind of apparatus revolutionized firefighting techniques in the 20th century?

The advent of internal combustion engines in firefighting marked a significant turning point in fire suppression capabilities. These engines enabled the development of motorized fire apparatus, allowing for faster responses to emergencies compared to earlier manual and steam-powered pumps. The reliability and efficiency of internal combustion engines provided fire departments with vehicles that could transport firefighters and equipment much more quickly and effectively, thus potentially saving more lives and property.

By facilitating quicker mobilization and response times, internal combustion engines allowed for a range of advanced firefighting techniques and equipment to be utilized more effectively. This included not only pumpers that could deliver water at higher pressures but also specialized vehicles equipped with the necessary tools and technologies to tackle modern firefighting challenges.

In contrast to this, manual pumps were slower and required more manpower, while steam pumps, although a step forward at their time, were less efficient compared to the internal combustion engine apparatus that emerged later. Aerial ladders, while crucial for specific rescue operations, did not revolutionize firefighting techniques in the same sweeping manner as internal combustion engines did in facilitating overall response and operational effectiveness.