Gas Line Cut

• A. 2 Engines or Aerials, 1 Battalion
• B. 1 Engine
• C. 3 Engines
• D. 2 Aerials

Answer: (A)

Gas line cut is a high-hazard scene where safety and command are immediate priorities. The best approach is to have enough field personnel to establish a perimeter, manage any evacuations or crowd control, and coordinate with the gas utility, all under clear incident command. Two engines or aerials provide needed manpower and equipment to secure the area and support any shutoff or rescue tasks, while a Battalion Chief (command) sits in charge, makes strategic decisions, and coordinates with the utility and other agencies. One engine wouldn’t give adequate coverage or enable proper safety/evacuation controls, and options with more engines or only aerials either waste resources or lack the essential command presence. So the recommended response is two engines or aerials with one Battalion.