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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?

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