Engine crews range in size from two to ten firefighters. They work with specialized wildland fire engines that carry special equipment to spray water and foam. Engine crews also perform a variety of other wildland fire tasks:
- Respond to reports of new wildfires and serve as initial attack forces.
- Serve as holding forces on prescribed fires and wildfires to keep the fire from crossing the established perimeter.
- Use hand tools, water, and foam to put out fires and keep vegetation and structures from burning.
- Patrol forests and grasslands to look for signs of wildfires.
- Promote fire prevention with campers and other national forest visitors.