What is the first action firefighters should take upon arriving at a scene?

Conducting a size-up of the situation is a critical first action for firefighters upon arrival at the scene of an incident. This process involves quickly assessing the overall conditions, identifying the hazards, and determining the nature and extent of the incident. During the size-up, firefighters gather essential information, such as the type of structure involved, the presence of smoke or flames, potential risks to responders and bystanders, and the availability of resources.

By performing a size-up, firefighters can make informed decisions regarding their initial attack strategy, resource allocation, and any necessary evacuations. This assessment also allows them to prioritize victims’ rescue, firefighting operations, or other interventions based on the immediate dangers observed.

In contrast, while starting to extinguish the fire, establishing a perimeter, or searching for victims are also important actions, they should be considered only after the initial assessment has been completed. Without a proper size-up, firefighters might overlook crucial information that could impact their safety and the effectiveness of their response.