Apparatus function should regulate placement. Many times we reverse this rule by virtue of poor placement, limiting the options or
eliminating functions we can assign to that unit.

Firefighters operate with a natural inclination to drive the apparatus as close to the fire as possible. Many times this results in
positioning of the rigs that is both dysfunctional and dangerous. The placement of all apparatus on the fireground should be a
reflection of one of the following:

     A standard operational procedure for first arriving companies (level I staging)
     A pre-arranged staging procedure
     A direct order from command
     A conscious decision on the part of the officer on the apparatus based on existing or predictable conditions

Effective apparatus placement must begin with the arrival of first units. The placement of the initial arriving engine, tanker and squad
should be based upon initial size-up and general conditions upon arrival. First arriving companies should place themselves to
maximum advantage and go to work; later arriving units should place themselves in a manner that builds on the initial plan and allows
for expansion of the operation.

Avoid tailboard bumper placement of the fireground. Later arriving companies and personnel should hold positions, stage a minimum
of one block short of the immediate fire area and remain uncommitted until ordered into action by command. Units should select
standby positions with a maximum of tactical options.

In some large, complex and lengthy fireground operations additional alarm companies should be staged together in one location
under the command of a staging officer consistent with level ii staging procedures. Under these procedures, command
communicates directly with the staging officer for additional resources.

On the fireground everyone wants to hold a line of their own - be aware of who has water from the standpoint of type of company
position and function.

Command must maintain an awareness that access equals tactical options and that the immediate fire area can quickly become
congested with apparatus. He must regard apparatus on the fire ground in two categories:

     Apparatus that is working
     Apparatus that is parked

Park out of the way. Apparatus that is not working should be left in staging area.

Command, sides and all operating units should attempt to maintain an access lane down the center of streets wherever possible.

Think of fire apparatus as an expensive exposure: position working apparatus in a manner that considers the extent and location of
the fire and a pessimistic evaluation of fire spread and building failure. Anticipate the heat which may be released with structural
collapse. Apparatus should generally be positioned at least 30 feet away from involved buildings, even with nothing showing. Greater
distances are indicated in many situations.

Beware of putting fire apparatus in places where it cannot be repositioned easily and quickly - particularly operating positions with
only one way in and out; i.e., yards, alleys, driveways, etc.

Beware of overhead power lines when positioning apparatus. Do not park where lines may fall.

If apparatus does become endangered, operate lines between it and the fire while you reposition it. When you do move it - move it to
a position that is safe. It is dysfunctional to move a truck several times throughout the progress of a fire.

Take maximum advantage of good operating position and "build" the capability of units assigned to these effective positions. Initial
arriving pumpers should be placed in "key" positions. These positions should offer maximum fire attack access to the fire area and
be supplied with adequate supply lines as quickly as possible.

Subsequent arriving companies can operate the hose lines from this apparatus. Place these "key" companies first - before they are
"buried" by later arriving units.

Key tactical positions should be identified and engines placed in those locations with a strong water supply.

Take advantage of the equipment on apparatus already in the fire area instead of bringing in more units. Connect extra lines to
pumpers which already a good supply line.

Fire hose soon limits the general access as the fireground operation gets older. Command and sides must get apparatus well-placed
positions. Lines should be laid with attention to the access problem they present.

Spot the command vehicle in a manner that will allow maximum visibility of the fire building and surrounding area and the general
effect of the companies operating on the fire. Command vehicle position should be easy and logical to find and should not restrict the
movement of other apparatus.

Ambulances and rescue vehicles should be spotted in a safe position that will provide the most effective treatment of fire victims and
firefighting personnel while not blocking movement of the apparatus.