What should be the first action when arriving at the scene of a fire?

The first action when arriving at the scene of a fire should be to conduct a size-up of the situation. This is a critical step that involves quickly assessing the scene to understand the nature and extent of the fire, the structure involved, potential hazards, and the overall conditions present.

By performing a size-up, firefighters gather essential information that will inform their subsequent actions and strategies. This includes determining the best method for attacking the fire, identifying any risks to civilians or firefighters, assessing access routes, and recognizing the possibility of additional victims needing rescue. A thorough size-up sets the foundation for making informed decisions about resource allocation and tactical approaches to effectively handle the incident.

Establishing a water supply, creating a safety perimeter, or notifying the dispatcher are all important actions, but they are predicated on the initial assessment conducted during the size-up. Without a comprehensive understanding of the situation, these subsequent actions may not be executed effectively or could lead to unsafe conditions.