As the call to 911 comes in and engine 2 is dispatched to the structure fire, Eric, along with his engine crew, have two options as they race to Max’s home.

Option 1: “Dispatch engine 2 on scene of a house on fire! Engine 2 is fast attack!” Adrenaline pumping, the officer screams back to Eric: “get the hose! Hurry up!” The crew barrels past Mrs. Jones who is frantically trying to get their attention to tell them where the fire is. “Stand back Ma’am!” Like a moth to the flame, Engine 2 bowls headlong into a chugging beast of a fire at the front door, oblivious to the flames raging out of a basement window. “It’s a kitchen fire. I know it!” Yells the officer. “Hurry up!” As the team reaches the point above Max’s basement bedroom, the floor gives way….

MAYDAY….MAYDAY….MAYDAY

Option 2: “Fire dispatch engine 2 is on scene, single story, single family residence. We have heavy fire showing from the front with three parties evacuated. Engine 2 will be establishing Castle command performing a 360 of the structure. Start an additional engine and have all units stage two blocks south.”

The Officer dismounts the apparatus and goes directly to Mrs. Jones: “Is there anybody in the house?” “Just Fluffy our kitten” she responds. “Ok thank you Ma’am” as he takes Eric with him and calmly, but quickly circles the structure. “Eric look there” the officer pointing to a basement window with flames gasping for air. “This fire started in the basement. I want you to pull an 1 3/4” line with your partner, quickly knock this fire through the basement window and come back to me. Do not enter the structure without my permission.”

“Dispatch from Castle command, we have a confirmation of all parties evacuated from the structure. 360 reveals a fully involved basement fire with extension to the main floor. Engine 2 crew is performing a transitional attack on the basement window.” He starts making assignments to incoming crews: “Engine 3, you are assigned to be fire attack group supervisor, meet up with engine 2 firefighters and assess the safety of transitioning to the interior of the structure. Truck 3, Split your crew please, once safety for entry is determined, we will need two firefighters to the roof for ventilation and two to perform a primary search.” The Fire is brought under control.