Which task is assigned to the 1st Engine on a building that is 3 stories or less?

The task assigned to the first engine on a building that is three stories or less includes conducting the initial size-up and deploying the initial attack line. This is crucial because the size-up provides vital information about the situation, helps determine the structure's condition, and allows for a tactical assessment of the fire's location, extension, and potential hazards.

By performing the initial size-up, the crew can make informed decisions about the approach to extinguishing the fire, which may involve identifying the best access points, evaluating the safe operation of the equipment, and understanding how to protect occupants and responders. Following the size-up, deploying the attack line is essential to effectively combat the fire as it provides immediate fire suppression capabilities.

While other tasks such as forcible entry, overhaul, or assuming command may be important, those are typically assigned to other resources or occur after the initial assessment and attack line deployment have been established. The primary focus for the first engine in this scenario is to contain the fire promptly to prevent further spread and ensure safety.