An engine company is the basic fire suppression unit.
Engines are capable of pumping water and carry a complement of hose.
Most of the recently purchased apparatus have pumps that are capable of pumping water at approximately 1000 gallons per minute. Some engines are also outfitted to flow foam and other special extinguishing agents. They respond as part of a compliment of apparatus to building fires and hazards such as gas leaks. The primary responsibility of an Engine Company is the extinguishment of fire with water. The fire engine typically arrives at the scene of a fire to lead out hose lines that direct water at the seat of the fire.