What is the role of the 7th arriving engine company at a high-rise incident?

The role of the 7th arriving engine company at a high-rise incident is to serve as the On Deck Crew. In high-rise firefighting operations, it is essential to maintain a strategic flow of resources to ensure effective incident management and fire suppression. The On Deck Crew is positioned to be ready for immediate deployment when needed, acting as a tactical reserve that can rapidly be called upon to support or relieve other operational crews.

This function is critical in high-rise situations due to the complexity and dynamic nature of the incident, where conditions can change rapidly. By having a designated crew in the On Deck position, command can ensure that there are prepared personnel available to respond to emerging needs in the firefighting effort, whether that involves additional suppressive actions, assistance with evacuation procedures, or other immediate tasks that may arise.

The 7th arriving engine company, as the On Deck Crew, stands ready to mobilize quickly and support established teams while helping maintain safety and operational effectiveness throughout the incident.