Which priority is the first on the fireground priority list?

The first priority on the fireground priority list is to save lives. This principle is fundamental to firefighting and emergency response, as the primary mission of first responders is to protect human life. When arriving at an incident, firefighters must quickly assess the situation to identify any individuals who may be trapped or in imminent danger.

Ensuring the safety and survival of victims takes precedence over other concerns, such as property conservation or environmental impacts. The urgency to save lives drives initial tactics and strategies, dictating that rescue operations be initiated as soon as it is safe to do so. This priority is further reinforced by the "rescue, fire control, and property conservation" mantra in firefighting, where saving lives forms the critical foundation for all subsequent actions on the fireground.

While other priorities, such as conserving property or limiting environmental impact, are also important, they come into play only after the risk to human life has been addressed.