What is the primary responsibility of an engine company?

The primary responsibility of an engine company is to secure a water source and deploy handlines. This is fundamental to fire suppression operations. Engine companies are tasked with providing the necessary water supply to effectively combat structural fires. They connect to fire hydrants or another water source, ensuring an adequate flow of water is available for firefighting efforts.

Once a reliable water supply is established, engine companies then deploy handlines, which are essential for directing water onto the fire and controlling its spread. Handlines allow firefighters to approach the scene safely and provide an effective means to extinguish or control the fire's intensity.

While other responsibilities, such as forcible entry and ventilation, are essential to overall firefighting operations, they are typically handled by specialized teams or departments within the fire service. High-angle rescues and performing roof operations are specialized tasks that may be conducted by rescue or truck companies, respectively, rather than an engine company. Hence, the role of securing a water source and deploying handlines distinctly identifies the primary mission of engine companies in firefighting scenarios.