Tiverton, RI — March 28th — In order to help the Portsmouth Fire Department with a multi-alarm structure fire, firefighters from the Tiverton Fire Department arrived on mutual assistance. Tiverton units were sent out as part of the East Bay departments' regional mutual help program. Under the incident command system, Tiverton crews were tasked with helping with fireground activities and supporting suppression operations upon arrival. In order to handle larger incidents and maintain staffing, multi-alarm responses deploy more equipment and personnel to the scene.

When prolonged fireground activities are needed, departments can pool personnel and resources through mutual aid responses, which continue to be a standard component of operations.