A fire department response to a structural (building) fire may appear chaotic and confusing, but every person on the scene has a specific function and tasks to accomplish. Many of these roles are predetermined, but others are necessitated by the particular circumstances of the fire.

Engines, ladder trucks, and EMS units will arrive at the scene of the fire, within minutes of each other, from all directions. A Battalion Chief will arrive in a command vehicle to coordinate the suppression and rescue activity. Higher-ranking Chiefs may attend as severity and availability dictate. They may assume command or provide supporting functions to the Incident Commander.

En route to the fire, the crews are focused on safely navigating the city’s streets, using specific routes called fire lanes. Of special concern are intersections where fire apparatus may converge from different parts of the city. Maps and diagrams may be consulted to ensure a timely arrival. Engine and ladder crews will be prepared to step off the vehicle, at the emergency scene, wearing all their protective bunker gear and air packs. If an alarm is received while the crew is not in the station, they will have to get "bunked up" before they depart, either where they are parked, or pulling off to the side of the street for that purpose.

The first-arriving engine companies are concerned with the location of the fire in the building, and where a water supply (fire hydrant) is located. Initial decisions, as seemingly simple as where to park, may have important consequences for the fire fighting effort. The first-in crews will ascertain the whereabouts of the occupants and noteworthy construction details. Pre-connected hose lines will be rapidly deployed from the engine to aggressively attack the "seat" of the fire, drawing from a 500 gallon tank of water on board. The next-arriving engine will typically make a connection from the attacking engine to a hydrant to ensure a reliable water supply.

The driver of the engine stays at the vehicle and operates an engine-driven pump. The pumps on Everett Fire engines can deliver 2000 gallons per minute divided between multiple hose lines. Additionally, the driver will ready tools and equipment, carried on the engine, such as chainsaws, fire extinguishers, and spare air bottles for the air pack

Our ladder trucks carry an assortment of specialized tools and equipment, in addition to the extendable hydraulic ladder mounted on the vehicle. The driver of the ladder truck can rapidly deploy this "aerial device", rotating and elevating it to reach as high as eight stories. The ladder crew may perform search and rescue functions, or move to the roof of the structure to provide ventilation. Ventilating a building entails cutting one or more large holes in the roof to allow smoke and heat to escape the structure. This is coordinated with the fire attack and improves the interior environment for firefighters and occupants. Effective ventilation requires detailed knowledge of building construction methods used in the last 100 years.

During and after the fire, crews will also attempt to minimize damage to the contents and structure from the fire and the suppression efforts. Furniture may be covered or removed from the building to protect it, and water may need to be removed from the building. After the fire is out, the crews will examine the structure for hidden fire and hot spots that could re-ignite the structure. A fire investigator will evaluate the fire scene and determine the cause of the fire. The fire department might secure the building by covering any openings, and provide a "fire watch" to monitor the structure.

All hoses, protective equipment and tools used will be cleaned and returned to service, ready for the next emergency. The incident will be used as a teaching tool, reviewed and discussed by the crews involved and shared with those off-duty at the time.