An engine lays hose from a water source to the fire scene in a __________ lay.

The term "forward lay" refers to the practice of laying hose from a water source, such as a hydrant, directly to the fire scene. This technique is standard in firefighting as it provides a continuous and reliable supply of water to the firefighters operating at the incident.

By laying the hose in a forward direction, it allows the firefighters to quickly access the water they need to combat the fire without having to backtrack to the water source. This efficiency is crucial in emergency scenarios where time is of the essence.

Understanding the forward lay also helps firefighters quickly establish water supply lines, ensuring that they can maximize their firefighting efforts right from the moment they arrive at the scene. In contrast, terms like reverse or sideways lay do not typically align with standard operational procedures for effectively managing a water supply in firefighting.