27 Questions
What is a critical consideration for Command during fire operations?
Continually re-evaluating fireground factors based on new information
What is defined as critical unknown information during an incident?
Significant questions regarding incident structure, conditions, and/or occupancy
What is the primary purpose of reconnaissance during an incident?
To gather information that is not visually available to Command
What type of information is gained from formal pre-fire planning and familiarity activities?
Intelligence about the structure and its hazards
What is the benefit of using all methods of information gathering and communication?
It enables Command to deal with each fireground factor effectively
During an incident, how is fireground factor information typically gathered?
Using a combination of visual, reconnaissance, and preplanning methods
Why is it essential to continually revise the incident action plan?
To accommodate changing fireground factors and conditions
What is the relationship between fireground factors and incident situation?
Fireground factors are a part of the incident situation
How does effective information management contribute to fire operations?
It enables Command to make informed decisions based on current information
What is the primary purpose of Critical Fireground Factors?
To simplify complex information into 7 distinct categories
What is the definition of size-up?
An appraisal of the magnitude or dimensions of an event or incident
Why is it important to identify critical fireground factors?
To focus on the most critical information for achieving tactical objectives
What is the consequence of not adequately performing size-up and considering critical fireground factors?
The incident outcome may be compromised
What is the characteristic of a non-thinking attack situation?
An instinctive action-oriented process without proper consideration
What is the role of Critical Fireground Factors in the fireground process?
They are dynamic and change throughout the incident
What should the Incident Commander do with non-critical factors during size-up?
Set them aside or disqualify them
Why is it important to consider Critical Fireground Factors during an incident?
To simplify complex information and prioritize efforts
What is considered when evaluating the size of a building during a fire?
The roof type, interior arrangement, and construction type
What is a key factor in determining the direction of travel of a fire?
The most dangerous direction of travel
What is considered when evaluating the occupancy of a building?
The type of occupancy, value characteristics, and fire load
What is a key factor in determining the life hazard of a situation?
The location of occupants in relation to the fire
What is considered when evaluating the arrangement of a building during a fire?
The combustibility of exposures, access, and nature of internal exposures
What is a key factor in determining the resources required to respond to a fire?
The number of personnel and equipment on scene
What is considered when evaluating the fire itself during a fire?
The extent, location, and stage of the fire
What is a key factor in determining the risk of fire spread to external exposures?
The combustibility of exposures
What is considered when evaluating the condition of occupants during a fire?
The condition of occupants by virtue of fire exposure
What is a key factor in determining the need for EMS during a fire?
The number of occupants and their condition
Study Notes
Fireground Factors
- Fireground factors are a standard list that Incident Commanders must consider in evaluating an incident
- Critical Fireground Factors are determined through deliberate and focused size-up to determine how and to what extent tactical objectives will be met
- Size-up is an appraisal of the magnitude or dimensions of an event or incident
Importance of Size-up
- Size-up is critical in identifying what is truly important to the incident outcome
- Incident Commanders must set aside or disqualify non-critical factors
- It is unacceptable to begin operations before adequately performing size-up and considering critical fireground factors
Dynamic Fireground Process
- Fireground factors are dynamic and their relative importance changes throughout the incident
- Command must continually deal with changes and base decisions on timely and current fireground factor information
- Effective fire operations require action plan revisions that continually reconsider fireground factors
Critical Unknown Information
- In critical fire situations, Command may develop an incident action plan based on incomplete information
- Efforts must continue to improve information on which decisions are based
- Critical unknown information includes incident structure, conditions, and/or occupancy
Information Gathering and Communication
- Effective management of fireground factors requires Command to apply all methods of information gathering and communication
- Methods include visual, reconnaissance, and preplanning
- Visual information is gathered through observation and perception
- Reconnaissance involves sending someone to check-out and gather information
- Preplanning involves gathering intelligence from formal pre-fire planning, informal familiarization, and CAD through MDT
Fireground Factor Categories
Building
- Factors include size, roof type and condition, interior arrangement/access, construction type, age, condition, value, compartmentation/separation, and utility characteristics
Fire
- Factors include size, extent, location, stage, direction of travel, time of involvement, type and amount of material involved, product of combustion, and time projection on continuing fire effect on the building
Occupancy
- Factors include specific occupancy, type/group, value characteristics, fire load, status, occupancy associated characteristics/hazards, type of contents, and loss control profile
Life Hazard
- Factors include number of occupants, location and condition of occupants, incapacities, commitment required for search and rescue, fire control required for search and rescue, needs for EMS, and time estimate of fire effect on victims
Arrangement
- Factors include access, arrangement, and distance of external exposure, combustibility of exposures, access and nature of internal exposures, severity and urgency of exposures, value of exposures, and most dangerous direction
Resources
- Factors include personnel and equipment on scene, responding, and available in reserve, estimate of response time for additional resources, condition of personnel, capability and willingness of personnel, availability of hydrants, and supplemental water sources
Other
- Factors include time of day/night, day of week, season, special hazards by virtue of holidays and special events, weather, traffic conditions, and social conditions
This quiz covers the standard operating procedures for fireground factors in the Phoenix region, including critical factors and operational information.
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