Engine Operations › Fireground Positioning
Where each unit spots, and what it does when it gets there — by occupancy, straight off the Quick Reference Guide, with what the manuals say about it underneath.
EngineTruckCommand / RICSupply lineAttack lineHydrant
Arrival order — tap a unit
E11st Engine
Size-up & 360 if not completed. Stretch initial attack line to fire floor. Initiate water supply if determined by CO.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Close as possible to cut the number of lengths — but the front stays open for the Truck's aerial.
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
E22nd Engine
Complete water supply, Pump hydrant for 1st engine if needed. Stretch 2nd attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Basement).
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Positioned so as not to block apparatus movement, and able to lay a supply line from the first-in engine to the hydrant.
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
E33rd Engine
Stretch back-up line to location of 1st Engine Company.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. The guide gives no position for the 3rd engine on a residential fire. The manual puts third due and later out of the way of the direct fire scene, or in the alley behind.
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
E44th Engine
Stage apparatus at second water supply. RIC Functions
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Staged at the second water supply — and on a residential fire the 4th Engine carries RIC. Heavy Rescue is not assigned here.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
E55th Engine
The Quick Reference Guide prints no assignment for this unit on this occupancy.
T11st Truck
Position to cover side Alpha. Inside Team: Report to fire floor. Force entry, assist primary engine with locating the seat of the fire, conduct search operations, check extension. Topside Team: Ventilation.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Side Alpha. Spot for the aerial: uninvolved to involved, offside corner a few feet off it, tip kissing the roof with both beams — two ways on and off.
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, pp.143–144
T22nd Truck
Position to cover side Charlie when possible. Inside Team: Report to fire floor. Force entry, assist primary engine with locating the seat of the fire, conduct search operations, check extension. Outside Team: Rescue / VES, ladders, force egress, ventilation, utilities. Topside Team: Ventilation
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Side Charlie. Second-due trucks place to the opposite offside corner; secondary ladders go on their side of the building.
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.144
T33rd Truck
The Quick Reference Guide prints no assignment for this unit on this occupancy.
HRHeavy Rescue 21
The Quick Reference Guide prints no assignment for this unit on this occupancy. On a residential fire RIC is carried by the 4th Engine.
SQParamedic Squad
Stage apparatus, split Crew: 1 member report to command post to assume medical group working supervisor, 1 member assigned to their Engine Company.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Stages its apparatus; the crew reports to the command post.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
AMTransport Ambulance
Report to Command Post with Medical equipment. 2 Ambulances for confirmed Victims.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. At the command post, with medical equipment.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
CPChief Officers
1st Chief Officer: Establish command. · 2nd Chief Officer: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment. · 3rd Chief Officer: Report to Command and assist at CP as aide. · Additional Chiefs: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Command post. The first chief officer establishes command; later chiefs report to it.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
E11st Engine
Size-up & 360 if not completed. Stretch initial attack line to fire floor, using entrance closest to fire.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Uses the entrance closest to the fire, which on a mid-rise means the entrance serving the right stair.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
E22nd Engine
Establish water supply, Pump standpipe if 1st Engine determines standpipe operations. Assist 1st Engine with hoseline advancement.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. On the standpipe FDC — it pumps the standpipe if the 1st Engine calls standpipe operations. 3″ hose supplies all standpipe systems.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024 · Engine Company Operations, Ch. 6
E33rd Engine
Pump hydrant for 2nd engine. Stretch 2nd attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Horizontal Exposure).
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Third due and later: out of the way of the direct fire scene, or take the alley behind the structure to provide additional lines more easily.
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
E44th Engine
Initiate 2nd water supply, upon “working fire” lay line to cover side opposite side. Stretch attack line to 1) the floor above 2) horizontal exposures, 3) stand-by with line until directed.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Takes the far side with the second water supply. The guide's own wording reads “lay line to cover side opposite side” — a wording defect flagged for the training committee; read it as the side opposite the initial attack.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
E55th Engine
Complete water supply, pump hydrant for 4th engine if needed. Stretch additional attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Horizontal Exposure).
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Backs the 4th engine's supply — pumps its hydrant if needed.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
T11st Truck
Position to cover side Alpha. “All In” Report to the Fire Floor, search, and assist the Engine with locating the fire. Note: Ladder Drivers will remain with the rig to set aerial device and work with other ladder drivers or crew to conduct exterior operations, ventilation, and utility control.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Side Alpha. Spot for the aerial: uninvolved to involved, offside corner a few feet off it, tip kissing the roof with both beams — two ways on and off.
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, pp.143–144
T22nd Truck
Position to cover side Charlie. “All In” Report to the floor above the fire floor on multi-story structure for search and check for extension. “All Out”, 2nd ladder will report to the roof for ventilation.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Side Charlie. Second-due trucks place to the opposite offside corner; secondary ladders go on their side of the building.
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.144
T33rd Truck
“All In” Report to the top floor on multi-story structure for search and check for extension. Note: Ladder Drivers will remain with the rig to set aerial device and work with other ladder drivers or crew to conduct exterior operations, ventilation, and utility control. “All Out” Report to the roof to assist with ventilation.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
The guide gives this unit no fixed position — it is placed on the Incident Commander’s needs, so it is not drawn on the plate.
Where it sits. The guide assigns no position — it reads “Position Based on IC Needs.”
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
HRHeavy Rescue 21
RIC Functions
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Rapid Intervention, staged clear of the working area.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
SQParamedic Squad
Stage apparatus and report to command post to assume working medical group supervisors.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Stages its apparatus; the crew reports to the command post.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
AMTransport Ambulance
Report to Command Post with Medical equipment. 2 Ambulances.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. At the command post, with medical equipment.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
CPChief Officers
1st Chief Officer: Establish command. · 2nd Chief Officer: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment. · 3rd Chief Officer: Report to Command and assist at CP as aide. · Additional Chiefs: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Command post. The first chief officer establishes command; later chiefs report to it.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
E11st Engine
Size-up & 360 if not completed. Stretch initial attack line to fire floor, using entrance closest to fire. Initiate water supply if determined by CO.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Close as possible to cut the number of lengths — but the front stays open for the Truck's aerial.
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
E22nd Engine
Complete water supply. Pump hydrant for the 1st engine if needed. Stretch 2nd attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Horizontal Exposure).
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Positioned so as not to block apparatus movement, and able to lay a supply line from the first-in engine to the hydrant.
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
E33rd Engine
Position on FDC. Pump FDC upon “working fire”. Stretch back-up line to location of 1st Engine Company.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. On the FDC, and it pumps on the “working fire” declaration — not on arrival.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
E44th Engine
Initiate 2nd water supply, upon “working fire” lay line to cover side Charlie. Stretch attack line to 1) the floor above 2) horizontal exposures, 3) stand-by with line until directed.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Lays to cover SIDE CHARLIE — the rear, working alongside the 2nd Truck.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
E55th Engine
Complete water supply, pump hydrant for 4th engine if needed. Stretch additional attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Horizontal Exposure).
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Backs the 4th engine's supply — pumps its hydrant if needed.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
T11st Truck
Position to cover side Alpha. Outside Team: Force entry, force egress, utilities. Topside Team: Ventilation.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Side Alpha. On a commercial building the aerial is the primary ladder for roof operations — a one-story commercial is easy to ground-ladder but hard to get a crew off in a hurry.
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.144
T22nd Truck
Position to cover side Charlie. Outside Team: Force entry, force egress, utilities. Topside Team: Ventilation. Inside Team: Conduct search operations, check for extension.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Side Charlie. Second-due trucks place to the opposite offside corner; secondary ladders go on their side of the building.
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.144
T33rd Truck
Position Based on IC Needs. Outside Team: Force entry, force egress, utilities. Topside Team: Ventilation. Inside Team: Conduct search operations, check for extension.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
The guide gives this unit no fixed position — it is placed on the Incident Commander’s needs, so it is not drawn on the plate.
Where it sits. The guide assigns no position — it reads “Position Based on IC Needs.”
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
HRHeavy Rescue 21
RIC Functions
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Rapid Intervention, staged clear of the working area.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
SQParamedic Squad
Stage apparatus and report to command post to assume working medical group supervisors.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Stages its apparatus; the crew reports to the command post.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
AMTransport Ambulance
Report to Command Post with Medical equipment. 2 Ambulances.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. At the command post, with medical equipment.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
CPChief Officers
1st Chief Officer: Establish command. · 2nd Chief Officer: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment. · 3rd Chief Officer: Report to Command and assist at CP as aide. · Additional Chiefs: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Where it sits. Command post. The first chief officer establishes command; later chiefs report to it.
OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024
Residential — every unit
Size-up & 360 if not completed. Stretch initial attack line to fire floor. Initiate water supply if determined by CO.
Position to cover side Alpha. Inside Team: Report to fire floor. Force entry, assist primary engine with locating the seat of the fire, conduct search operations, check extension. Topside Team: Ventilation.
Complete water supply, Pump hydrant for 1st engine if needed. Stretch 2nd attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Basement).
Stretch back-up line to location of 1st Engine Company.
Stage apparatus at second water supply. RIC Functions
No assignment printed for this occupancy.
Position to cover side Charlie when possible. Inside Team: Report to fire floor. Force entry, assist primary engine with locating the seat of the fire, conduct search operations, check extension. Outside Team: Rescue / VES, ladders, force egress, ventilation, utilities. Topside Team: Ventilation
No assignment printed for this occupancy.
No assignment printed for this occupancy.
Stage apparatus, split Crew: 1 member report to command post to assume medical group working supervisor, 1 member assigned to their Engine Company.
Report to Command Post with Medical equipment. 2 Ambulances for confirmed Victims.
1st Chief Officer: Establish command. · 2nd Chief Officer: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment. · 3rd Chief Officer: Report to Command and assist at CP as aide. · Additional Chiefs: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment.
Mid-rise — every unit
Size-up & 360 if not completed. Stretch initial attack line to fire floor, using entrance closest to fire.
Position to cover side Alpha. “All In” Report to the Fire Floor, search, and assist the Engine with locating the fire. Note: Ladder Drivers will remain with the rig to set aerial device and work with other ladder drivers or crew to conduct exterior operations, ventilation, and utility control.
Establish water supply, Pump standpipe if 1st Engine determines standpipe operations. Assist 1st Engine with hoseline advancement.
Pump hydrant for 2nd engine. Stretch 2nd attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Horizontal Exposure).
Initiate 2nd water supply, upon “working fire” lay line to cover side opposite side. Stretch attack line to 1) the floor above 2) horizontal exposures, 3) stand-by with line until directed.
Complete water supply, pump hydrant for 4th engine if needed. Stretch additional attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Horizontal Exposure).
Position to cover side Charlie. “All In” Report to the floor above the fire floor on multi-story structure for search and check for extension. “All Out”, 2nd ladder will report to the roof for ventilation.
“All In” Report to the top floor on multi-story structure for search and check for extension. Note: Ladder Drivers will remain with the rig to set aerial device and work with other ladder drivers or crew to conduct exterior operations, ventilation, and utility control. “All Out” Report to the roof to assist with ventilation.
RIC Functions
Stage apparatus and report to command post to assume working medical group supervisors.
Report to Command Post with Medical equipment. 2 Ambulances.
1st Chief Officer: Establish command. · 2nd Chief Officer: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment. · 3rd Chief Officer: Report to Command and assist at CP as aide. · Additional Chiefs: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment.
Commercial — every unit
Size-up & 360 if not completed. Stretch initial attack line to fire floor, using entrance closest to fire. Initiate water supply if determined by CO.
Position to cover side Alpha. Outside Team: Force entry, force egress, utilities. Topside Team: Ventilation.
Complete water supply. Pump hydrant for the 1st engine if needed. Stretch 2nd attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Horizontal Exposure).
Position on FDC. Pump FDC upon “working fire”. Stretch back-up line to location of 1st Engine Company.
Initiate 2nd water supply, upon “working fire” lay line to cover side Charlie. Stretch attack line to 1) the floor above 2) horizontal exposures, 3) stand-by with line until directed.
Complete water supply, pump hydrant for 4th engine if needed. Stretch additional attack line (Outside, Floor above fire, Horizontal Exposure).
Position to cover side Charlie. Outside Team: Force entry, force egress, utilities. Topside Team: Ventilation. Inside Team: Conduct search operations, check for extension.
Position Based on IC Needs. Outside Team: Force entry, force egress, utilities. Topside Team: Ventilation. Inside Team: Conduct search operations, check for extension.
RIC Functions
Stage apparatus and report to command post to assume working medical group supervisors.
Report to Command Post with Medical equipment. 2 Ambulances.
1st Chief Officer: Establish command. · 2nd Chief Officer: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment. · 3rd Chief Officer: Report to Command and assist at CP as aide. · Additional Chiefs: Report to Command in full PPE/SCBA prepared to assume division/group assignment.
The manuals give no spotting doctrine of its own for this unit — only the rule below, which applies to any apparatus arriving on scene.
“On arrival the Engineer of the first arriving engine needs to make every attempt to provide the Company Officer with a sufficient view of the fire building.”
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
“Generally, the first engine should leave the front of the building open for the Truck's aerial if needed.”
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
“1st arriving Engine Company apparatus should be positioned as close as possible to the fire building to reduce the time, effort and number of lengths needed to connect to a water source. This tactic requires a coordinated effort between the Engineer, the Engine Company Officer, and the first arriving Truck Company for optimal placement.”
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
“1st Due — nothing showing and Alarms: 1. Park in a location that allows for easy access by ladder trucks. 2. Engineer/ADO should fully prepare his engine by completing all steps required to put the pump in service and supply water to hose.”
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
“Second arriving engines should position so as not to block any apparatus movement on the fireground and be able to lay a supply line from the first-in engine to the hydrant.”
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
“Third due engines and later-arriving engines should position their apparatus out of the way of the direct fire scene or consider taking a position in the alley behind the structure to provide additional lines more easily.”
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
“Other spotting considerations for the Engine Company include water supply needs, FDC connections, line placement, fire location and intensity.”
Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1, p.1-9
“The trucks should make every effort to spot for use of the aerial device and truck company operations on the Fireground. If arriving first and the Truck Company Officer decides to initiate Fire Attack then the apparatus should be positioned as an Engine.”
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.143
“Spot the ladder to create distance between where the fire is and where it will be going. If going to the roof for ventilation crews will need time to assess the roof and perform ventilation operations. We will also be setup to protect uninvolved portions of the building if anticipating using aerial master streams.”
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.143
“The ‘offside’ corner is where we aim to place our aerial ladder when going to the roof. By placing the ladder just a few feet off the corner this would allow for two ways on and off the ladder. This can come in handy if crews need to exit the roof in a hurry. The tip of the ladder should ‘kiss’ the roof with both beams. This takes the bounce out of the ladder and is much safer to maneuver up and down with tools. Stay away from placing the egress section on the roof and opt to place the beams on instead.”
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.143
“An outside spot allows Engine companies to position closer to the building underneath the Trucks ladder. This allows the waterway to get out of the way and produces a better climbing angle for crews going to the roof. By securing an outside spot this also sets us up for aerial master stream operations should the need arise.”
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.143
“Pulling past a structure could allow us to place our aerial ladder where needed. This also allows ground ladders to be pulled out right in front of the structure in a quick manner, whether for primary or secondary access/egress. Pulling past also allows the Engine the option of aligning their transverse bed up with their objective. Stopping short might be needed for placement of the aerial ladder.”
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, pp.143–144
“All commercial buildings should be laddered with the aerial ladder as the primary ladder when roof operations are being performed. While it may seem easy to ladder a one-story commercial with a ground ladder it will not be easy to get that crew off the roof in a timely manner should the need arise. In addition the angle of the aerial ladder will be much easier to ascend and descend with tools.”
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.144
“When going to the roof of a steep residential or possibly a commercial aim placing the aerial ladder to the bottom of a valley in the area where roof operations are going to be performed. This allows a stable platform to work from and two different sections of roof to open up. Roof ladders can also be deployed from this position. By placing the ladder low in the valley this also places us in a stronger area of the roof and allows more roof to work.”
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.144
“Second arriving Trucks should be placing their ladders to the roof if the first arriving Truck is performing roof operations… Second due Trucks should attempt to place their ladder on the opposite ‘offside’ corner. Secondary ladders should be placed on their side of the building.”
Truck Manual v3.1, Section 6, p.144
“When arriving on scene in any apparatus, attention should be given to the location and accessibility of ground ladders. For example, Ladder 33 will require a minimum of over 20' of clearance in the rear to remove the longest ladders from the apparatus. With the current ladder racks on our engines, positioning apparatus near the ladder rack side of the engine could hinder access… it is recommended that Engineers be proactive in lowering ladder racks where applicable for our Truck crews to access ground ladders faster.”
Truck Manual v3.1, p.95
Schematic. Plan view, drawn in feet; the scale bar is 40 ft. Apparatus footprints are schematic and are not published specifications. Unit assignments are transcribed verbatim from the OFD Quick Reference Guide, May 2024 — whose three occupancy columns are Residential & Multi-Family 1–3 floors, Mid Rise Structures 4 Floors and Above, and Commercial. Spotting doctrine from Engine Company Operations 2023 V-1 p.1-9 and Truck Manual v3.1 Section 6, pp.143–144 and p.95. A real fireground is decided by conditions and Command.