Who is responsible for deciding between offensive and defensive operations at the onset of a fire?

The Incident Commander is the individual responsible for making critical decisions regarding whether offensive or defensive operations will be employed during a fire incident. This role involves assessing the situation upon arrival, including the structure involved, the intensity of the fire, the presence of victims, and overall safety considerations.

Offensive operations typically involve actively attacking the fire to extinguish it and rescue individuals trapped inside. In contrast, defensive operations prioritize the safety of firefighters and the protection of surrounding structures when the fire is too dangerous to combat directly. The Incident Commander's authority and expertise ensure that the chosen strategy aligns with the overall incident management plan and the safety of both firefighters and civilians. Their decision-making is foundational, as it sets the direction for the response operations and allocates resources accordingly.

Understanding the significance of this role is crucial for effective incident management, as the right strategy can lead to successful outcomes in emergency situations.