A checklist for first-due engine company

By Scott Cook

Even veteran firefighters sometimes require a review of the basics. The following checklists outline the first due engine company’s duties. Print out these checklists and tape them to the inside doors of all your apparatus.

For the purposes of these checklists, it is assumed you are responding to a single-family residence and the firefighters have properly donned their personal protective equipment (PPE). Other factors (such as a rescue) may require immediate attention and abandoning of the checklist.

The Engineer:

1. Properly positions the apparatus;
2. Sets the brake;
3. Sets the pump;
4. Throws the wheel chocks;
5. Establishes water supply at the apparatus;
6. Sets scene lights;
7. Ensures the hoselines are clear of the beds prior to charging; and
8. Runs the right hose(s) at the correct pressure;

The Company Officer:

1. Performs and reports size-up, assigns tasks for other responding units, orders additional needed resources;
2. Performs a quick interview of any outside occupants/bystanders;
3. Does a walk-around of the fire building if possible;
4. Secures utilities according to SOPs;
5. Determines location of the fire when it isn’t obvious;
6. Looks for signs of trapped people;
7. Determines the type of attack or rescue necessary; and
8. Meets the attack team at the door to guide the attack or rescue; for all situations, unless a rescue is necessary and feasible, personnel should not enter the fire building without a rapid-intervention team (RIT) team standing by.

Firefighter 1 (firefighter on the side of the apparatus facing the fire on arrival)

1. Pulls the right size and length hose to make the attack;
2. Ensures the hose is clear of the bed;
3. Ensures the hose is flaked out and not tangled and kinked;
4. Ensures there is enough hose ready to be pulled into and maneuvered through the structure;
5. When hose is charged, burps it to expel air and sets the desired pattern if necessary; and
6. Assists street-side firefighter as required (e.g. throwing ladders).

Firefighter 2 (firefighter on the opposite side of the apparatus facing the fire on arrival)

1. Takes necessary forcible entry tools to the door and forces door at company officer’s direction--remember to try the door before you pry.
2. Stages poles/hooks at the door;
3. Stages/sets PPV fan according to SOPs;
4. Assists Firefighter 1 as required.

Three-person engine companies require the tasks of Firefighter 2 to be split among the Engineer, Officer and Firefighter 1 as follows:

The Engineer:

1. Stages PPV fan according to SOPs.

The Company Officer:

1. Stages forcible entry tools at the door prior to walk around.

Firefighter 1:
Stages poles/hooks at the door.

About the Author
Scott Cook, technical editor for FireRescue, is a captain with the Granbury (Texas) Volunteer Fire Department.