HYATTSVILLE
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

DUTIES OF FIRE COMPANIES


A fire departments effectiveness on the scene of a fire or other emergency is dependent upon the coordination and interaction of ENGINE, TRUCK and SQUAD companies.

ENGINE COMPANY
ENGINE COMPANY OPERATIONS PAGE
The objective of the engine company, second only to the rescue of trapped occupants is the extinguishment of the fire. This is accomplished by application of various extinguishing agents; among them; water (most common, plentiful, and economical), carbon dioxide and dry chemical (commonly found in portable fire extinguisher), and foam. The engine company apparatus is designed to move water from a source to the fire as effectively and efficiently as possible. The triple combination pumper (as used by this and most departments) is equipped with a water tank, pump, and the necessary hose loads to best accomplish this task.

TRUCK COMPANY
TRUCK COMPANY OPERATIONS PAGE
The truck company is responsible for all of the support functions on the fireground which allow the engine company to extinguish the fire. Truck company personnel should not be engaged in any type of hose line operations. The first and most important responsibility of the truck company is rescue (same as engine company), the rest of the responsibilities include (not in order of importance); ladders (ground and aerial), overhaul, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, control of utilities, and portable lights.

SQUAD COMPANY
SQUAD COMPANY OPERATIONS PAGE
The squad company is a special force of firefighters utilizing a heavy duty rescue vehicle equipped with rescue tools, appliances and specialized equipment. The squad company is responsible for interior search and rescue, forcible entry, complex rescue operations, and other assignments as directed by the incident commander.

Through the interactions of engine, truck, and squad companies, five basic fireground objectives are accomplished:
These five functions can be remembered by the acronym:
R.E.C.E.O.
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Copyright 1997, Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department