What is the primary responsibility of the First and Second Engine E/O?

The primary responsibility of the First and Second Engine E/O (Engineer/Operator) is to initiate the Fire Department Connection (FDC) and establish a water supply. This is a critical initial action in firefighting efforts because water supply is vital for effective fire suppression. The FDC allows firefighters to connect hose lines to the water supply system, which is especially important in large structures or in situations where the water supply from the engine on the scene is insufficient.

By focusing on the water supply, the engineers ensure that a continuous and adequate flow of water is available for firefighting operations. This foundational step establishes the capacity to engage with the fire effectively. Other responsibilities such as incident command, establishing fire perimeters, or conducting primary searches are also essential aspects of firefighting operations, but they typically fall under the purview of different roles and responsibilities within the incident command structure.