Extended Attack

After the initial size-up of the fire and/or transfer of command from an initial attack Incident Commander (IC), task yourself with answering the following questions. Repeat this analysis whenever there is a change, or predicted change, in fire conditions.

• Do you have a current fire weather forecast for the fire location?
• Is the observed fire weather consistent with the forecast?
• Have you established a new organizational structure and communicated it to the assigned resources and support functions associated with the fire?
• Can you control the fire with the resources available (either on the incident or en route) under expected conditions?
• Have you developed a plan to attack the fire?
  • Direct or indirect
  • Anchor points
  • Escape routes
  • Safety zones
  • Head or flank attack
  • Priority areas
• Have you communicated the plan to all personnel assigned to the incident, including new arrivals?
• Can you see the entire fire area? Do you have lookouts posted?
• Can you communicate with everyone on the fire and with dispatch?
• Are escape routes established?
  • If you are using the black, is it completely burned and without reburn potential?
• Are safety guidelines and the Standard Firefighting Orders being followed and/or mitigated?
• Will you contain the fire before the next operational period?
• Have you reported the status of the fire to dispatch?
• Do you have a complete list of resources that have been ordered?