Developing a Comprehensive Fire Incident Action Plan

Create an effective fire incident action plan with WFCA's resource. Explore templates, examples, and essential elements for fire scenes and emergency response.

Published:October 29, 2024
Edited:
October 29, 2024

Table of Contents

    Create an effective fire incident action plan with WFCA’s resource. Explore templates, examples, and essential elements for fire scenes and emergency response.

    A Fire Incident Action Plan (IAP) is the cornerstone of effective emergency response management. An IAP not only outlines the key objectives, strategies, and assignments for an incident but also provides a clear framework for managing resources, assessing risks, and ensuring firefighter safety. By establishing clear incident goals and tactical objectives, the IAP helps guide teams through complex operations, making it an essential tool for efficient, coordinated response efforts.

    What is a Fire Incident Action Plan and Why is It Important?

    A Fire Incident Action Plan (IAP) is a critical tool in managing emergency responses, and it is especially beneficial when it comes to firefighter safety. The IAP provides field operations personnel with a clear representation of incident management objectives, geographic details, and key incident features. It plays an essential role in operational briefings and breakout meetings by displaying field assignments, crew instructions, and safety concerns.1

    Key Components

    A Fire Incident Action Plan (IAP) consists of several key components that ensure a coordinated and effective response during emergency incidents. These components help the incident commander and the entire crew operate efficiently while prioritizing safety.

    Size-up

    The first step is a thorough size-up, where the incident commander assesses the situation upon arrival. This involves evaluating what has already occurred, what is still happening, and what will likely happen if no intervention takes place. A 360-degree assessment of the scene is critical for understanding the full scope of the incident. This allows the commander to make informed decisions about risks and potential outcomes, which directly influence the course of action.

    Determine the Mode of Operation

    Based on the size-up, the commander determines the appropriate mode of operation for the incident. This could involve choosing a rescue mode, where the focus is on removing occupants from life-threatening situations, or an offensive mode, where firefighters engage in interior operations to control and extinguish the fire. In some cases, the commander may opt for a marginal mode, committing personnel to a time-sensitive interior attack. If conditions are too dangerous, a defensive mode may be chosen, focusing on protecting nearby structures and preventing the fire from spreading.

    Set Incident Goals

    The commander must set clear incident goals that align with the situation’s priorities. The first priority is always life safety, ensuring that occupants and firefighters are safe. Next is incident stabilization, where actions are taken to control and mitigate the situation. Finally, property conservation becomes a focus, aiming to minimize further damage to structures or belongings. These goals guide the overall strategy and give direction to the teams on the ground.

    Tactical Objectives

    To achieve the incident goals, the commander establishes tactical objectives, breaking down larger goals into actionable tasks. These could include specific actions like controlling the fire’s flow path, conducting search and rescue, locating and extinguishing the fire, and performing overhaul operations once the fire is under control. Each objective must be clearly communicated to teams and assigned to the appropriate resources for execution.

    Strategies

    The final step in the IAP is to develop strategies that match available resources to the tactical objectives. For instance, the commander might assign an engine company to advance an attack line to protect interior stairwells, or direct a truck company to control ventilation for better firefighting conditions. Clear instructions ensure that each crew knows their role, and constant communication is maintained to adapt to changing conditions.2

    Fire Incident Action Plan Template and Examples

    To enhance fire preparedness, we provide access to a Fire Incident Action Plan template designed to offer practical insights for industry professionals. This resource empowers and encourages departments to create tailored action plans that address specific operational needs, ensuring that the department is ready for any situation.3

    Sources

    1. NWCG, “Incident Action Plan (IAP) Map.” Accessed October 17, 2024.
    2. FireRescue1, “5 Keys to a Great Fireground Incident Action Plan.” Accessed October 18, 2024.
    3. Glena Fire Department: “Incident Action Plan (IAP) Worksheet.” Accessed October 18, 2024.

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