What action must the 2nd Ladder perform during a response to a building that is 3 stories or less?

During a response to a building that is three stories or less, it is essential for the second ladder crew to follow the duties assigned by the Incident Commander. This approach ensures that the firefighting efforts are coordinated and efficient. The Incident Commander has the overall view of the situation and can assign tasks based on the specific needs of the incident, resources available, and safety considerations. By following these assignments, the second ladder can effectively contribute to the operation without stepping outside of established protocols or working at cross-purposes with other crews.

While the other options may involve important actions, they do not best encapsulate the specific responsibility of the second ladder team in this scenario. Forcible entry, completing primary search operations, and assisting in vehicle fire operations are tasks that may be critical but should be carried out when directed by the Incident Commander in order to ensure the entire operation remains organized and prioritized correctly based on immediate needs.