What must be declared upon arrival at the scene of a fire?

Upon arrival at the scene of a fire, declaring the working fire status as either offensive or defensive is crucial for coordinating an effective firefighting response. This determination helps establish the operational strategy that will be employed by the responding teams.

In an offensive strategy, firefighting personnel focus on aggressively attacking the fire, typically with the intent to confine and extinguish it efficiently while minimizing potential damage and risk. In contrast, a defensive stance indicates that the situation requires a more cautious approach, where the priority shifts to protecting exposures and ensuring the safety of personnel, rather than direct engagement with the fire itself.

Communicating this status early aids in resource allocation, allows for effective command and control, and ensures that all personnel on scene are aware of the risks involved and the tactical approach being utilized. Establishing whether the fire is being addressed offensively or defensively is a cornerstone of incident command and a key factor in maintaining safety for both firefighters and civilians.