Fire Incident Command Principles

Ensuring that all personal protective equipment (PPE), including SCBA, radios, and protective gear, is in proper working order and ready for immediate use.

The process of setting up divisions or groups at the scene of an incident to enhance communication, supervision, and accountability.

A safety measure where tactical supervisors are positioned at the tactical gap (between the fireground and command) to observe potential hazards that may be missed by other personnel.

The practice of minimizing radio communication and maximizing face-to-face communication on the fireground. This allows for faster and clearer information exchange.

The practice of ensuring continuous awareness of the location and status of all personnel on the fireground. This is crucial for accountability and prevents potential Maydays.

The strategic use of tactical groups and supervisors to prevent incidents by anticipating and mitigating potential hazards.

The process of establishing clear communication channels, identifying key roles, and prioritizing tasks to ensure a coordinated and effective response to an incident.

Understanding the risk versus reward factors involved in a particular fire situation.

A tactical communication channel used by firefighters to relay information and coordinate actions during an emergency.

A designated area on a fireground where fire crews work together to accomplish specific tasks.

The first arriving fire officer on a fire scene who takes command of the incident.

An urgent call for help from a firefighter in distress, typically due to low air supply or becoming lost.

A specific level of fire response that determines the resources immediately dispatched to the scene.

A coordinated effort to remove smoke and heat from a building to improve ventilation and visibility for firefighters.

The process of systematically searching a building for victims and ensuring everyone's safety.

A set of standard operating guidelines used by fire departments for responding to and managing incidents.

Essential equipment for firefighting operations, including breathing apparatus, forcible entry tools, rescue rope, medical supplies, ladders, radios, and lighting.

A dedicated team of firefighters ready to immediately rescue trapped or injured firefighters.

A comprehensive assessment of the fire situation, including the location of firefighters, potential hazards, and available resources.

A procedure to track the location and safety of firefighters operating inside a structure, ensuring prompt assistance if needed.

The critical decision-making process by the Incident Commander (IC) to weigh the anticipated benefit of an action against the potential risks involved.

A pre-planned strategy and resource allocation for potential firefighter emergencies, such as a Mayday.

The strategic allocation of firefighter personnel to specific tasks, such as fire attack, rescue, ventilation, or medical assistance.

The initial action taken to control a fire, focusing on rescuing people and containing the blaze.

A shift in strategy from actively attacking the fire to protecting surrounding areas and preventing further spread.

A large-scale operation involving multiple fire units, resources, and personnel.

A thorough inspection of a structure after a fire to ensure all flames are extinguished and the area is safe.

A structural element that extends horizontally from a building, often used for support or decoration.

A type of window frame with fixed panes of glass that open by turning inwards.

A type of ceiling construction using wire mesh covered in plaster.

A designated individual responsible for coordinating and overseeing rapid intervention operations in an emergency situation.

A team of firefighters specifically trained and equipped to rescue other firefighters in distress or to enter a dangerous environment to save lives.

A predetermined location where resources are assembled and ready to be deployed in response to an incident.

The location of the incident command post, typically near but not directly at the incident scene, where all tactical and logistical decisions are made.

A rapid report used to gather critical information about a downed firefighter. Includes Location, Unit, Assignment, Resources needed, and any special needs.

The IC (Incident Commander) should immediately stop all radio traffic and acknowledge the Mayday by conducting a LUNAR report with the downed firefighter, if possible.

The division supervisor of the downed firefighter and the RIC (Rapid Intervention Crew) group supervisor must meet face-to-face, confirm the LUNAR, and develop a tactical plan.

The objective of the RIC Group Supervisor is to rescue the downed firefighter(s), while the Division Supervisor continues the firefight to ensure tenable conditions.

The IC should notify the RIC Group Supervisor of any movement of crews from the division to the RIC Group. This ensures the IC can support the rescue efforts.

Based on the VP (Ventilation Plan) and fire conditions at the time of the Mayday, companies on scene can be reassigned to the RIC Group. This ensures sufficient rescue resources.

Companies not directly engaged in the firefight, such as those performing vertical ventilation, can be reassigned to the RIC Group to aid in the rescue effort.

The IC should call additional alarms and ambulances based on the information gathered in the LUNAR report.