An engine responds with the ambulance to provide additional manpower to assist with providing medical care or assist with extricating a patient. It is better to have too many personnel on scene than too few.

It is very common while performing some of the departments non-emergency duties like inspections, public relations or even the simple act of picking up lunch that an emergency does arise. Being able to respond at a moments notice and having the right tool for the job are tantamount in our profession. You will always hear us say, "seconds count."

To learn about how fast a fire can grow, watch this National Institute of Standards and Technology