What type of conditions should be evaluated during an exterior size-up?

Evaluating smoke and fire conditions during an exterior size-up is essential to understanding the situation at hand. Smoke color, volume, and movement can indicate the stage of a fire and the materials involved, providing critical information for incident command. For instance, dark, thick smoke usually points to combustion of synthetic materials, while light, wispy smoke may suggest different fuels are burning. Assessing fire conditions helps responders make informed decisions regarding tactics, such as whether to initiate an offensive or defensive fire attack, as well as identifying potential hazards that may affect crew safety and civilian evacuation.

In addition to fire conditions, other factors are also important for comprehensive situational awareness during a size-up, but they focus on different aspects. Occupancy status gives insight into the potential risks for occupants and can influence search and rescue prioritization. Human behavior can inform responders about whether individuals are trapped or if others are actively evacuating. Weather conditions can affect fire behavior and the safety of responders but do not provide direct insights into the immediate fire dynamics. Therefore, while all elements contribute valuable context, assessing smoke and fire conditions directly impacts strategy and safety on the scene.