What is an Engine Company?
An engine company is the pumper. One (1) Fire Officer and three (3) Firefighters are assigned to this unit. Their primary objective is to move fire hose lines into position to extinguish the fire. On most fires and especially larger fires, one (1) engine company will hook-up to a fire hydrant to supply water to other fire apparatus at the fire scene.
The Engine Company is the basic unit of a fire department. It provides the primary fire fighting agent water and the personnel to use it at the fireground. To supply and use water properly, the fire fighter must have considerable skill and knowledge (along with a certain amount of brawn and the ability to withstand physical and mental stress). The objectives of an Engine Company are: • Rescue victims • Protect exposures • Confine the fire • Extinguish the fire • Overhaul the fireground All but the last of these objectives are carried out in an atmosphere of flame and smoke. Therefore, it is essential that fire fighters understand the nature of fire and the factors that affect its spread, including building construction, type of occupancy, and types of fuel available to the fire. Engine Company Operations Engine company apparatus and equipment have been designed to allow fire fighters to function effectively and quickly. Through training and experience, engine company personnel must acq
