Fire Command Procedures Quiz

Questions and Answers

What should the first arriving company officer do upon arrival at an incident?

Wait for the next unit to arrive

Wait for the fire chief

Assess the fire from a distance

Establish command (correct)

What can be used to help identify the incident location when establishing command?

The apparatus number

The fire department’s radio frequency

The nearest landmark

The street or building name (correct)

Which side of the building is typically identified as Alpha?

The right side

The left side

The street address side (correct)

The rear side

Who establishes command if the first arriving unit does not have an officer?

A member in charge of the unit Signup and view all the answers

What must happen when a non-officer has assumed command, and a fire department officer arrives?

The officer must relieve the non-officer of command Signup and view all the answers

When can a mutual aid officer assume command?

Only when asked to assume command Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between passing command and transferring command?

Passing command can only be done by the first arriving unit Signup and view all the answers

What should happen when the first arriving unit establishes command?

The situation should be assessed first Signup and view all the answers

When is it necessary for the first arriving unit to commit all personnel to a task?

When the first arriving unit must commit all personnel to a task, such as rescuing occupants Signup and view all the answers

How many times can command be passed by the first arriving unit?

Once Signup and view all the answers

Who retains tactical responsibilities after command is passed to the next arriving unit?

The first arriving unit Signup and view all the answers

Which officer may assume command upon arrival at an incident?

Senior officer or chief officer Signup and view all the answers

What should occur before a chief officer assumes command?

A face-to-face briefing with the current Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is crucial during the transfer of command?

The location, extent, and condition of the fire Signup and view all the answers

Which method should be used to communicate during a transfer of command if a face-to-face meeting is not possible?

By using the fireground radio frequency Signup and view all the answers

What must be transmitted to Fire Alarm during a transfer of command?

The name of the new Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

When must the transfer of command be communicated to operating companies?

As soon as command is established Signup and view all the answers

Who is ultimately responsible for all actions at an incident, regardless of command status?

The Chief Officer Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

First Arriving Unit Responsibilities

Upon arrival, the first arriving company officer must establish command.
Incident location identification can be achieved using the street or building name.

Building Orientation

The Alpha side of a building is identified as the street address side.

Non-Officer Command

If the first unit lacks an officer, command is established by a member in charge of the unit.
When a fire department officer arrives, they must relieve any non-officer in command.

Mutual Aid Officers

Mutual aid officers can only assume command when requested, not automatically.

Command Passing and Transferring

Passing command can only be done by the first arriving unit, while transferring command must occur face-to-face.
Command passing typically occurs when the first arriving unit commits all personnel to a task, such as rescues.
Command by the first unit can only be passed once.

Tactical Operations Responsibility

The original person passing command remains responsible for tactical operations even after passing command.

Command Assumption

A senior officer or chief officer is responsible for assuming command upon arrival.

Briefings for Command Transfer

Before a chief officer assumes command, they should have a face-to-face briefing with the current Incident Commander.
Essential briefing details during command transfer include the location and extent of the fire, control efforts success, and unit assignments.

Additional Information During Transfer

An appraisal of additional resources needed should be communicated during the transfer of command.

Communication Protocols

If a face-to-face meeting isn’t possible, command transfer should occur using the fireground radio frequency.
The new Incident Commander’s name must be transmitted to Fire Alarm during a command transfer.

Overall Responsibility

The Chief Officer retains ultimate responsibility for all actions at the incident, regardless of command status.

Timing for Command Transfer Notification

The transfer of command should be communicated to operating companies as soon as command is established.

Tactical Responsibilities After Command Transfer

The original unit must continue to retain tactical responsibilities until the next unit arrives, even if command is passed.

Frequency of Command Transfers

Command can be transferred as many times as necessary during an incident.

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Description

Test your knowledge on important fire command procedures. This quiz covers critical decision-making scenarios for the first arriving unit at a fire scene and the conditions under which command can be transferred. Assess your understanding of effective emergency management practices.