Initial Attack Span of Control and Radio Overload
You are the first qualified FFT1 to arrive at a 30-acre grass and oak woodland fire. Dispatch reports three Type 6 engines, two 10-person hand crews, one dozer, one water tender, and two helicopters assigned. On scene, engine crews are freelancing: one is protecting a barn, two are attacking the head, and the crews are cutting line on the left flank without an anchor. The radio channel has traffic from all units plus dispatch. You have no written incident action plan and no division supervisors on scene. The sheriff is asking about evacuations, and a landowner is demanding you save a hay shed. Wind is 12 mph gusting 20, relative humidity 25%, and the fire is spotting 50 yards ahead.
1. List your first five actions to establish command and organization.
Read the worked answer
First, assume command and announce it on the tactical channel with your name, location, and fire name. Second, request a dedicated command channel or move tactical traffic to a working channel and keep dispatch on a separate one. Third, complete a quick resource check-in and account for all units; find out who is where and who is in charge of each crew. Fourth, set immediate objectives: life safety, anchor the left flank, protect the barn only if it can be done safely, and stop freelancing. Fifth, establish a command post and begin an ICS 201 or equivalent; assign a division supervisor for the left flank and a group supervisor for structure defense if qualified people are available. Transfer command formally if a higher-qualified IC arrives.
2. How would you divide span of control and assign roles among the resources on scene?
Read the worked answer
Span of control should be 3-7 with an optimal of about 5. I would not supervise three engines, two crews, a dozer, a water tender, and two helicopters directly. Create Division A for the left flank with the two hand crews and the dozer; create Division B or a head attack group for the engines attacking the head; assign a structure defense group for the barn and hay shed; keep the water tender under logistics or division as needed. Assign a qualified dozer boss and a helicopter coordinator or spotter if available; if not, request them. Retain only the division supervisors and a safety officer in my immediate span. Give each a clear assignment, radio channel, and reporting time. Reassign resources when the span grows.
3. How would you handle the landowner and sheriff requests while maintaining command and documentation?
Read the worked answer
For the landowner and sheriff, use one point of contact and avoid making promises. If a PIO or liaison is available, assign them; otherwise, tell them what you know, what you are doing, and when you will update them. Do not divert the crew to the hay shed unless it is safe and within the structure defense objective. For evacuations, coordinate with the sheriff through dispatch; the fire organization does not direct law enforcement evacuations. Document the transfer of command, resource check-in, objectives, assignments, and any decisions about the barn or hay shed. Record the time of the sheriff contact and the information given. Good documentation protects the crew and supports the task book.