Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.

Friday, September 06, 2019

GREEN VERSUS RED

Fort Myer - Engine 61 

Arlington Hall - Engine 66

Arlington County - Truck 74

"It's not easy being green," Kermit the Frog once said.

In the 1970s and 1980s,  many fire departments, such as those at U.S. Army posts in the Washington area, fielded safety lime and safety yellow fire apparatus to improve visibility and cut down on traffic accidents.

Arlington County's were more of a yellow-orange shade.


Scientists had determined human eyes are "most sensitive to greenish-yellow colors under dim conditions, making lime shades easiest to see in low lighting," according to the American Psychological Association.

However, later scientific studies determined "
recognizing the vehicle was more important than paint color" the APA said. "If people in a particular community don't associate the color lime with fire trucks, then yellow-green vehicles may not actually be as conspicuous."

The trend has since shifted back to red, just like Kermit the Frog's Sesame Street neighbor - Elmo.