The Engine

THE ENGINE

"It’s the heart and soul of the fire service."

The work of the Engine Company isn’t as “sexy” as making a grab on the floor above or dangling over the street for a roof rope rescue, but its role on the fireground cannot be overstated. Without the discipline of a well-trained Engine Company to quickly and efficiently place their line in the right spot, none of the other glory tasks on the fireground can happen.

We tend to lose sight of how important a squared-away Engine Company is to the overall success of fireground operations. Yes, it’s “simple”…wet stuff on the red stuff. But the brilliance and beauty of the Engine’s work is in the nuance. It’s placing the apparatus in the right place the first time to set the rest of the operation up for success.

It’s selecting the right line and getting it quickly to the correct place—between the victims and the fire. It’s the proper application of water (location, flow rate, water mapping) to knock down the fire, compress the superheated gases, cool the environment, and give victims a chance to be found and survive.

HOW DO WE SUCCEED?

"If you put out the fire, we don’t have to worry about jumping out windows."

– Andy Fredericks

We need to take pride in our work. We need to intimately understand every nuance of every hose load and how it can be used, adapted, and manipulated to achieve the outcome we desire. “If it looks pretty, it pulls pretty” isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s the mark of true professionals.

• Dress hydrants for quick expansion.

• Shoulder loads and bumper lines.

• High-rise folds, rope/well/window stretches.

• Wagon pipe/step gun as force multipliers.

• Static bed versatility (horseshoe, leader, etc.).

"As the first line goes, so goes the fire."

Take pride in the Engine Company. Don’t downplay, underestimate, or understate its importance. Take the time to pack the hose neatly and correctly. Stretch often. Overcome challenges routinely so they become second nature.

Stay disciplined. Be elite.