What does the type of building and incident situation dictate in firefighting operations?

The type of building and the incident situation significantly dictate the tactics employed during firefighting operations. Tactics refer to the specific methods and means by which fire personnel engage and control a fire situation, tailored to the unique circumstances presented by the building's structure, occupancy, and the nature of the fire.

For example, in a residential structure, firefighters may adopt different tactics, such as entry and search operations or exposure protection, compared to a commercial building where crowd control and evacuation might be more critical. Different construction materials or design features also influence the firefighting approach, such as choosing a defensive or offensive strategy based on fire behavior and the stability of the structure.

Understanding the incident context and building type allows firefighters to implement the most effective methods to control the fire while ensuring their safety and the safety of civilians. Thus, identifying the correct tactics is essential to effectively mitigate threats and manage the overall incident.