Which term refers to companies or crews operating within the same geographic area?

The term that refers to companies or crews operating within the same geographic area is "Group." In fire service terminology, a group is a collection of resources, such as fire companies or crews, that are coordinated to work together in a specific location or for a specific task during an incident. This organization is critical for effectively managing operations on the scene, as it ensures that all personnel and equipment are utilized efficiently within the designated area.

A task force typically consists of a mix of resources, possibly from different geographic areas, and is formed to respond to specific needs. A strike team is a set of resources with a common communication and is generally organized in a specific manner, often deployed for strategic operational needs rather than based solely on geographic proximity. A crew usually refers to a specific group of firefighters working together, but it doesn't inherently denote the geographic aspect of multiple companies or crews operating in the same area.

Thus, "Group" specifically encapsulates that concept of location-based operational organization among fire companies or crews.