The fire service response to a structure fire <br />would normally involve a number of different <br />units. Fire department vehicles are called appara- <br />tus; one is sometimes referred to as a "piece" of <br />apparatus. They come in a wide variety of forms <br />for specialized uses; however, the basic types are <br />pumper and aerial apparatus (Figure 1.2). <br />A pumper apparatus normally carries hose, a <br />pump, and a small water tank. Together with its <br />personnel, this is called an engine company. Their <br />main responsibility is to deliver water to the,fire. <br />Initially, the engine company may operate using the <br />water available in their tank; however, any incidents <br />other than small exterior fires will typically require <br />that a continuous water supply be established'. <br />This is done via hose lines carrying water from a <br />source of supply (fire hydrant, lake, pond, tempo- <br />rary basin) to the on-board pump, which then <br />boosts the pressure to hose lines or other devices <br />attacking the fire. <br />An aerial apparatus is typically equipped with a <br />long aerial ladder or elevating platform on top, an <br />assortment of ground ladders, and many power <br />and hand tools. Together with its personnel, this is <br />often called a truck (or ladder) company. They are <br />responsible for all support functions, including <br />forcible entry, search, rescue, laddering, and venti- <br />lation. If aerial apparatus is not available, these <br />truck company functions must be performed by <br />another unit. <br />There is also an apparatus called a "quint. " <br />Each of these vehicles is equipped as both a <br />(Fig. 1.3) During initial <br />operation at this struc- <br />ture, the first arriving <br />engine crew is already <br />using a fire lane, a <br />fire hydrant, the fire <br />department connection, <br />and the key box. <br />Interior operation will <br />soon involve the alarm <br />system, stairways, <br />standpipe system, and <br />other building features. <br />pumper and an aerial apparatus to perform either <br />function. If provided with adequate staffing, and <br />positioned properly at an incident, quints can per- <br />form both functions. <br />Upon arrival at an incident, firefighters must <br />handle many tasks. Standard operating procedures <br />should enable firefighters to quickly assess the situ- <br />ation, and initially arriving units to go into opera- <br />tion (Figure 1.3). Rescuing of occupants is the first <br />priority, followed by confining and extinguishing <br />the fire. In some cases, firefighters must stop the <br />fire before proceeding with rescues. <br />Incident command begins with the rapid gather- <br />ing of information by the first arriving officer. This <br />is called "size-up. " Incident command expands <br />as additional units and chief officers arrive. <br />Commanders must base strategies on the limited <br />information available at any given time regarding <br />the fire, the building, and the occupants. As they <br />receive additional information, commanders should <br />revise their strategies. As needed, they can call for <br />additional resources. Units from another jurisdic- <br />tion or district that respond are referred to as <br />"mutual aid" units. <br />As the fire incident is brought under control, <br />salvage, overhaul, and investigation activities take <br />place. These activities, although dangerous and <br />important, are less time-sensitive. As a result, they <br />are less of a consideration for building and fire pro- <br />tection system designers. <br />FIRE &ERVICE FEATURES OT BU'I-LDINGS AND FIRE PROTECTIO•M SYSTEMS 7 <br />123 <br />I <br />