Firefighting Engine Company Duties

Questions and Answers

What should a 3-person Engine Company do when laying its own supply line?

Wrap the hydrant and allow another unit to take the hydrant

How many personnel should stay with the hydrant when a four-person Engine Company or a second arriving Engine makes a forward lay?

One

In what priority order should the second arriving Engine Company support the first arriving Engine?

Complete water supply, 2. Establish a Standby Team, 3. Maintain 2-in-2-out

What is one responsibility of the Standby Team?

Remaining aware of the status of firefighters in the hot zone Signup and view all the answers

Which member of the Standby Team may perform other duties outside the hot zone?

Only one Standby Team member with maintained positive communication Signup and view all the answers

What should a Standby Team member avoid when performing additional duties?

Activities that inhibit ability to assist in or perform rescue Signup and view all the answers

Which duty can a Standby Team perform apart from maintaining 2-in-2-out?

Assisting with initial fire attack and hoseline advancement Signup and view all the answers

When should a standby team be reassigned as a Backup Team?

Once additional resources arrive on scene and the RIT is established Signup and view all the answers

Where is the RIT generally positioned on the scene?

On the A side of the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary task of the 4th arriving Engine Company?

Supporting the first arriving Engine Company Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the first arriving Engine Company if Command has not already been established?

Establishing Command Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be a priority for the first arriving Engine Company?

Rescue, fire attack, and water supply Signup and view all the answers

When should water be applied to the fire?

As soon as possible from a safe location Signup and view all the answers

What action should follow a limited-duration water stream applied from the exterior?

Aggressive interior attack Signup and view all the answers

What should the first arriving Engine Company conduct to identify any life safety considerations?

360 degree assessment Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is immediate action permitted in a known rescue situation?

When no less than three personnel are present Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for completing water supply?

The first two arriving engine companies Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Quick Hit' referred to in the context?

A limited-duration water stream applied from the exterior Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately upon arrival to an emergency scene?

Size-up and deliver an initial radio report Signup and view all the answers

What should responders determine during the 360 assessment?

Extent of the fire and best access Signup and view all the answers

How does the first arriving Chief Officer assume command?

Via radio or face-to-face communication Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included in the transfer of command?

Units assigned, status of water supply, and supplemental needs/alarms Signup and view all the answers

When should the transfer of command to another Battalion Chief occur?

After the incident is de-escalating Signup and view all the answers

Why is in-cab command preferred?

To limit distractions, improve communication effectiveness, and functional command presence Signup and view all the answers

To whom does the second arriving Chief Officer report?

Incident Commander (IC) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the second arriving Chief Officer generally assume?

Accountability Officer Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may the IC assign the second arriving Battalion Chief to the ISO function?

If deemed necessary Signup and view all the answers

What role does the third arriving Chief Officer assume?

Safety Officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the first task of the Safety Officer after donning PPE?

Conducting a Chief Officer 360° Signup and view all the answers

What should the Safety Officer do upon completing the Chief Officer 360°?

Report any safety concerns to the IC Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the first arriving Truck Company?

Life safety Signup and view all the answers

What should the first arriving Truck Company communicate before ventilating a structure?

Ready to open the structure Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the first arriving Truck Company cannot perform both rescue and ventilation simultaneously?

Pass search to the second arriving Truck Company Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration for ventilating a structure?

Roof material Signup and view all the answers

The role of the second arriving Ladder Company includes:

Assuming ventilation or search duties Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario can the IC stop the ventilation process?

Unfavorable interior conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a support fireground operation?

Forcible entry Signup and view all the answers

What is still the objective of the second arriving Truck Company?

Life safety Signup and view all the answers

Who can assign the search to another Company if the first arriving Truck Company cannot perform it?

The IC Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a duty specifically for the second arriving Ladder Company if the first one is busy?

Coordinating ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Duties of Engine Companies

The first arriving Engine Company establishes Command, prioritizing rescue, fire attack, and water supply.
They provide pre-arrival water supply instructions, conduct a 360° to identify life safety considerations, and determine the location and extent of the fire.
They apply water to the fire as soon as possible from a safe location to reduce heat release rates, also known as a "Quick Hit".
In a known rescue situation, immediate action is only permitted when three personnel (2-in/1-out) are present and equipped to provide emergency assistance or rescue.

Water Supply Considerations

Water supply should be completed by the first two arriving engine companies.

Engine Company Deployment

1st Arriving Engine Company

A three-person Engine Company may lay its own supply and wrap the hydrant, allowing another unit to take the hydrant.
A four-person Engine Company or a second arriving engine making a forward lay should wrap the hydrant and leave one person to make the hydrant.

2nd Arriving Engine Company

The second arriving Engine Company supports the first arriving Engine in order of priority:
- Completes water supply to the attack engine.
- Establishes a Standby Team and maintains 2-in-2-out.
Standby Team members remain aware of the status of firefighters in the hot zone, maintain positive communication, and perform other duties outside the hot zone.

3rd Arriving Engine Company

The third arriving Engine Company is responsible for RIT, unless otherwise directed by the IC.
RIT is generally positioned on the A side of the structure, and access routes should be identified.

4th Arriving Engine Company

The 4th arriving Engine Company supports the first arriving Engine Company.

Duties of Truck Companies

The first priorities and duties of Truck Companies are comprised of the following tactical objectives: Rescue, Coordinated Ventilation, and/or Primary Search.

1st Arriving Ladder / Rescue

Life safety is the primary objective, and rescue is the first priority.
If immediate coordinated ventilation is needed, it may be passed to the second arriving Ladder Company or assigned to another Company by the IC.

2nd Arriving Ladder / Rescue

Life safety is still the objective, and the second arriving Truck Company assumes either ventilation or search duties.

Additional Support Fireground Operations

Laddering
Forcible entry
Overhaul
Utilities
Salvage
Roof Reports
Wall Reports

Duties of Chief Officers

1st Arriving Chief Officer

The first arriving Chief Officer assumes command from the initial IC, transferring units assigned, water supply status, and supplemental needs/alarms.

2nd Arriving Chief Officer

The second arriving Chief Officer reports to the IC and serves as the Accountability Officer.

3rd Arriving Chief Officer

The third arriving Chief Officer assumes the role of Safety Officer and reports to the IC, donning PPE and conducting a Chief Officer 360°.

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Description

Learn about the responsibilities of the first arriving Engine Company at a fire scene, including establishing command, rescue, fire attack, and water supply. Identify life safety considerations and determine the best access.