What is typically the first step in fire incident management?

Establishing an incident command is typically the first step in fire incident management because it creates a structured framework for coordinating all activities and resources at the scene of the fire. This command structure identifies who is in charge and ensures that responsibilities are clearly defined. Incident command helps streamline communication and decision-making among all responding personnel, including multiple agencies if involved.

A well-established incident command allows teams to assess the situation effectively and allocate resources efficiently, which is crucial in managing the incident. Additionally, it provides a basis for prioritizing actions, such as determining whether to evacuate nearby buildings, extinguish the fire, or assess its growth. By setting up the command structure first, responders can operate more safely and effectively throughout the response to the incident.