Which item is included in the size-up?

• A. Occupancy type
• B. Incident conditions
• C. Weather conditions
• D. On the scene at dispatched address

Answer: (D)

Size-up is the on-scene, real-time assessment you perform as you arrive to determine fire behavior, hazards, and the actions needed. The crucial starting point of that process is being on the scene at the dispatched address. Only there can you verify exactly where the incident is, confirm access and doors, assess the building’s orientation, and observe initial indicators like smoke or fire location. This first-hand, on-scene observation sets the foundation for all subsequent decisions and tactics.

Other information such as occupancy type, incident conditions, or weather are indeed things you consider during size-up, but they come from what you observe and infer once you’re there. The defining element that makes the size-up possible is that you’re physically present at the dispatched address to begin the assessment.