What type of company is composed of an apparatus staffed by firefighters to deliver water and execute tactics to extinguish fires?

The correct answer is the engine company, which is specifically designed to respond to structural fires and other incidents where water delivery is crucial. An engine company is equipped with a fire engine that has water tanks, pumps, and hoses that allow firefighters to quickly extinguish flames by delivering a controlled water supply directly to the fire. Their primary role is to provide suppression tactics, ensuring rapid fire extinguishment through adequate and effective water deployment.

In contrast, a rescue company is primarily focused on responding to emergencies that require search and rescue operations, such as vehicle accidents or building collapses, rather than fire suppression. A ladder company, although essential for firefighting, is mainly equipped with aerial devices such as ladders for accessing upper stories of buildings and conducting ventilation operations. Lastly, a hazardous materials company is trained to handle incidents involving hazardous materials, focusing on containment and cleanup rather than direct fire suppression. Thus, the engine company’s role and equipment are specifically tailored to the task of extinguishing fires, making it the correct choice in this context.