Make a good size up-

O.R.C.A. and SIZE UP CO-RELATIONS

Objectives :
• To integrate the learnings from ICS and
S.P.A.R.E.D. , I.C.A.R.E.D. into O.R.C.A. in
reference to Rescue Unit / Fire Brigade/
Tactical Unit structures
• To implement the learnings thru visual and
virtual exercise to ascertain degree of
knowledge acquired.
• To reinforce the good practices and ways,
methods, protocols currently in place and in
practice.

O . R. C. A .
• OPERATIONAL RESPONSE CAPABILITY
AUGMENTATIONS
• OPERATIONAL RESOURCES CAPACITY AUDIT
• ORGANIZATIONAL RISKS CONTEXT
ALGORITHM
• ONGOING RESCUE CARE AND ASSISTANCE
• OBSERVATION OF RESPONSE CHARTERS /
CODES IN ACTIVITIES

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
Prepared by Thomas Bartsch, Former Chief of Dept., Valley Stream, NY

Introduction
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

What is Size-Up?
“Size-up is the ongoing observation and
evaluation of factors that are used to
develop strategic goals and tactical
objectives”.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

There are many in the fire service who believe utilizing
the traditional “13” point size-up to be lengthy and not
practical for the initial “thru the windshield” size-up by
the first arriving company officer, and is better suited
for the Incident Commander.
In most cases, the first arriving officer will not be the
overall incident commander, but he/she might find
themselves in command and the traditional “13” point
size-up will help this officer develop a better over all
picture of the incident.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Yes, there are shorter “Size-Up” acronyms out there
than the traditional “13” point “COAL WAS WEALTH”
 A sampling such as………….
BOSE HAS (Chief Walker, Oklahoma City FD, OK)
B – building H - hazards
O – occupancy A - approach
S – smoke S - special
E – exposures
And then there are…………..
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

BELOW (Former Chief of Dept Ed Tracy, Sierra Madre, CA) REVAS (Chief Ramirez, LACFD)
B - building R - rescue
E - extent E - exposures
L - life hazard V - ventilation
O - occupancy A - attack
W - water supply S - salvage
RECEO (Lloyd Layman) RECEO VS (Lloyd Layman)
R - rescue added were
E - exposures V - ventilate
C - confinement S - salvage
E - extinguishment
O - overhaul
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

And lastly,
IDEAL (Capt Knitter, S. Milwaukee FD)
I - identify arriving unit
D - describe what you see
E - explain what you intend to do
A - assume command
L - let incoming units know what you want them to
do or where you want them to go (staging, etc.)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Whatever acronym you use, the goal is;
o information gathering,
o to formulate strategy and
o successful tactics.
 This presentation will be focusing on the traditional
“13” point size-up, using the acronym “COAL WAS
WEALTH”. (aka WALLACE WAS HOT)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

SIZE-UP
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
AERIAL SIZE UP
GROUND LEVEL / ELEVATED SIZE UP

SIZE-UP
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
GROUND LEVEL IC MEETING
( Team Leaders / Sub Commanders)

 Size-Up by the initial arriving officer (IC until relieved),
can set the tone for the incident. Being able to read what
has happened and what will happen after arrival, effects
the safety of all FF’s on the scene.
 A thorough Size-Up and a risk analysis should be
performed before conducting operations at every incident.
 The IC should immediately conduct or obtain a 360
ₒ
Size-Up of the fire ground. (“Rules of Engagement for Structural
Firefighting”, International Association of Fire Chiefs)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 The IC is constantly evaluating, taking note of what
actions were taken before his/her arrival and the progress
of the fire.
 The IC continues to review and re-evaluate during fire
operations.
 The IC must use appropriate risk management to decide
what strategy will be employed.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Size-Up starts with the receipt of the alarm and
continues until the fire is under control. Some advocate
the size-up starts when they break ground to construct
and pre-plans are formulated.
 While responding, monitor your radio for up to the
minute information from dispatch or from units already at
the scene.
 Using the traditional strategic “13” point size-up
acronym “COAL WAS WEALTH”, will ease the gathering of
information to plan an effective Strategy.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

First Arriving Officer
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Among the most important duties of the first officer
on the scene is conducting an initial size-up.
 This information lays the foundation for the entire
operation.
 It determines the number of FF, apparatus and
equipment needed to control the fire, the most effective
point of attack and whether the attack will be offensive
or defensive.
 The size-up must also address an assessment of
“Risk versus Reward”
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 The initial size-up report to dispatch, should be simple
and short enough to verbalize the scene.
 Necessary details such as;
 what type of building is on fire?
 the type of occupancy (mercantile, residential,
assembly)
 fire and smoke conditions
 and exposures (exposure protection is second only
to life)
 Your report will give other responding units needed
information to visualize the unfolding scene.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 Let’s try using an example. You are the first officer to
arrive on scene, what initial size-up report will you give
for the following situation?
 Remember, simple and verbalize the scene.
 Building construction
 Occupancy type
 Location and Extent of the fire
 Actions you are taking
 Instructions for incoming units

Photo courtesy Ed Tracy, former Chief of Dept., Sierra Madre, CA
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
This is your view “thru the windshield”

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
Example:
“Fire Communications, Engine 342, Signal 22 (On scene) at
your address. Signal 10 (Working fire).
We have fire out two windows on the second floor,
exposure 1 (alpha) side, of a two story Ordinary
constructed building with a mixed occupancy.
We are stretching a line to the fire floor, have the
second due engine stretch a backup line. Instruct the
first due truck to ladder the building and inform them
there are overhead wires.”

Interior Size-Up
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 The size-up of interior conditions is just as important as
the exterior size-up.
 Interior conditions are monitored by firefighters and
company officers and is communicated to the IC as soon
as possible. Interior conditions could change the IC initial
strategy.
 Knowing the interior conditions, such as the size of the
fire, sets the foundation for subsequent operations.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Especially if the building is constructed of lightweight
framing, which must be suspected in newer and
renovated buildings.
 It is critical that all units are made aware that
lightweight construction is present. Strategy and tactics
will have to be adjusted if the fire involves the structural
components.
 The IC must be informed of any structural damage, such
as sagging floors and extension to structural components.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

Communications
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Provide reports and regular updates to the IC, especially
when goals are met, such as “we have water on the fire”.
 It is also important that interior forces communicate to
the IC when the objective can not be met or is delayed,
such as “we are having difficulty finding the fire”, or
“primary search is delayed due to Collyer (Hoarding
System) like conditions”.
 Communications during the fire attack may be difficult
due to the noise, but FF must monitor the radio for critical
information. (collapse potential, ventilation delays, water
supply problems, fire in the cockloft, fire in the shaft or
“Mayday” transmissions.)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Information is continually received and processed so
that new decisions can be made and old decisions revised
based on new data and information.
 The IC can never assume that units engaged in
operational activities will just naturally stop what they are
doing so they can provide him/her with a continuous
supply of information.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 If the IC requests a progress report from a unit and gets
no response, he/she should continue to make contact
until they get a satisfactory report.
 The IC must do whatever is required to stay effectively
informed.
 Communicate what the plan is and if it is working…..
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

Objectives
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 The objective of firefighting is life safety, incident
stabilization and property conservation.
 Implementation of any strategic plan and it’s supporting
tactics is dependent on an accurate and ongoing Size-Up.
 Strategy and Tactics are defined as:
• Strategy - the general plan or course of action in order
to achieve firefighting objectives.
• Tactics - the operations or actions required to carry out
the strategy. (interior attack, ventilation, forcible entry,
etc.)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

In his book, “Strategic Concepts of Firefighting”, Chief of
Dept. Edward McAniff, FDNY defines the following;
 Offensive Strategy: Direct attack at the seat of fire.
Normally at Incipient Stage, this solves all problems.
 Offensive/Defensive Strategy: An attack on the main
body of fire, while taking measures to control extension.
 Defensive/Offensive Strategy: A holding action, it keeps
fire in reasonable bounds while more forces are called.
 Defensive Strategy: Surround and drown, protect the
exposures.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Firefighting strategies have been changing in today’s fire
service.
 With the impact of lightweight construction upon FF
safety, a new strategy is evolving, “Offensive Exterior
Attack”.
 It is used when no immediate rescue is needed or
possible, and/or when there is fire involvement of the
lightweight structural supports. Especially when a
lightweight building is under construction.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 The time frame for safe operations has decreased. Once
with unprotected dimensional lumber, there was the 20
minute rule, now with unprotected lightweight
construction, the time is as little as 5 minutes to collapse.
 The “Offensive Exterior Attack” theory is to open up the
structure and apply water tactically to gain control of the
fire and extinguish from a safe position, due to the
uncertainty of the structure.
 Essentially, “knock it down from a safe position and after
verifying structural conditions are stable enough to
proceed, final extinguishment and searches can be done.”
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

COAL WAS WEALTH
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

The Strategic factors that must be considered in making
your size-up are; (not in the order of priority)
• Construction
• Occupancy
• Apparatus/personnel/equipment
• Life
• Water Supply
• Auxiliary appliances
• Street conditions and Topography
• Weather
• Exposures
• Area of the building
• Location and Extent of the fire
• Time
• Height
COAL WAS WEALTH
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Construction, type of; (construction dictates actions at all fires)
- Type 1, Fire Resistive (concrete, fire-protected steel)
- Type 2, Non-Combustible (little or no steel protection)
- Type 3, Ordinary (block/brick walls, wood floor joists & roof supports)
- Type 4, Heavy Timber (masonry load walls, large timber support)
- Type 5, Wood Frame (balloon and platform)
(Lightweight construction, manufactured homes and “unitized” truss)

 Buildings will contain voids that may allow fire
extension. Alterations may produce larger voids, which will
spread fire vertically and horizontally. Also the presence of
wood laminate “I” beams, “Unitized” truss, energy efficient
windows, insulation, etc..
 Information on the structure itself includes age,
condition (evidence of deterioration, weathering, etc.),
evidence of renovations, lightweight construction, loads on
roofs and walls, and any pre-plan information.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH

• Construction; Elements of concern:
 is the building compartmentalized to minimize the
spread of fire?
 how will the building contribute to the overall fire
scenario?
 the location and number of hidden voids?
 what is the potential for collapse?
 parapet walls, marquees, signs, roof fixtures, etc.,
that could lead to a collapse in a fire event.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH

• Occupancy; (may determine severity of life & the intensity of the fire*)
- Assembly (theatres, restaurants, house of worship, night clubs)
- Business (banks, post office, doctors, lawyers, colleges, town halls)
- Educational (schools thru 12th grade)
- Factory (assembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, etc.)
- High Hazard (flammable, combustible, corrosive, explosive)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
* A mixed occupancy building containing commercial use below and a residential use above,
with an increased fire load in the commercial, would increase the danger to residents
above.

• Occupancy; (may determine severity of life & the intensity of the fire)
- Institutional (hospitals, jails, nursing homes, assisted living)
- Mercantile (drug, retail, wholesale stores)
- Residential (hotels, motels, apartment houses, private dwellings)
- Storage (non-hazard warehouses)
- Utility and Miscellaneous (barns, green houses, sheds)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH

• Apparatus/Personnel/Equipment;
Apparatus:
- adequacy of responding units (pumpers, ladders, tankers, etc.)
- response time (re-flex time and availability of mutual aid)
- any changes in response patterns
- the need for large caliber streams and/or large
diameter hose
- staging (location, enough units, security)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
 What units are responding or on scene? It is imperative to
know who has arrived and who is responding, as well the
types of apparatus at the scene or requested to the scene.

Personnel:
- sufficient FF manpower* (greater or resound the alarm,
mutual aid)
- rehab (Red Cross, Salvation Army, Ladies Auxiliary)
- Safety Officer
- FAST/RIT/RIC unit(s)
- EMS (ALS & BLS)
- other agencies (Health, PD, Sanitation, Highway, Tactical Medics)
* With insufficient manpower, rescue takes precedence.
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH

Equipment:
- to handle hazard materials
- foam, Purple K
- medical
- positive pressure fans
- scene flood lighting
- extra SCBA tanks
- heavy machinery (bulldozers, payloaders, cranes)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH

• Life; OUR PRIMARY priority at any operation!
- both FF’s and occupants (how many, location, condition,
accessibility, available resources)
- residential occupancy (day time versus night time)
- commercial occupancy (day time versus night time)
- institutional occupancy (ambulatory or non-ambulatory)
- assembly occupancy (houses of worship, restaurants, arenas, large
crowds)
- vacant (risk?)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
“Don’t risk FF’s lives for what is already lost. Use a
Calculated risk of FF’s lives to protect Savable lives.”
“Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting” IAFC

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Water supply;
- availability of a positive water source
- the location, serviceability and is it sufficient
- hydrants (the pressure, spacing, is it a dry or dead-end hydrant)
- tanks, ponds, pools and cisterns
- tanker shuttles
- drafting

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Auxiliary Appliances;
- sprinkler systems and standpipe systems
- wet and dry chemical systems
- total flooding systems, (Halon, CO2, Nitrogen)
- fire pumps
- foam systems
Consider;
 what is the status of the system(s)?
 is it working automatically?
 can it be manually operated? The location of shut-off
valves?
 are there FD connections? and there location?

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Street conditions and Topography;
Street conditions:
- placement of apparatus
- overhead wires, elevated roads, railways
- snow, water conditions
- construction trenches, road repaving
- double parked cars, delivery trucks
- dead ends, narrow streets
- limited access (industrial parks, gated communities)

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Street conditions and Topography;
Topography:
- grade elevation, building set backs (ground ladder
and aerial ladder placement difficulty)
- steepness of the slope (ladder placement)
- is there a creek, pond, or river behind the building
Note: There are some buildings where the lobby is on one
floor and at the rear of the building, this level is higher or
lower. As an example……

Two California FF died while operating at this structure – NIOSH 2011-13 report
TOPOGRAPHY

Two California FF died while operating at this structure – NIOSH 2011-13 report
Severe topography situation, the fire floor was one floor below street level

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Weather conditions;
- weather conditions can hamper response
- wind/velocity/direction (wind impacted fire, convection carrying
embers)
- heat and humidity (heat exhaustion, heat stroke)
- snow accumulations (slower response, hinder ladder placement)
- wet and ice conditions (black ice, slower response)
- freezing temperature ( wind chill, hypothermia, mechanical
issues, frozen hydrants)

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Exposures;
- distance (nearer the exposure, a greater chance of fire, convection and
radiant heat)
- six sides of a fire, (room and building)
- most severely threatened versus most threatened life
exposure
- property and environment conservation
- exposed surface material (it’s combustibility)
- other exposures such as storage tanks (propane)
Convection, Conduction and Radiation

Exposure
#1 or Alpha
side
Exposure
#2 or Bravo
side
Exposure
#3 or
Charlie side
Exposure
#4 or Delta
side
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
EXPOSURES

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Area of the building;
- large area = long stretches
- size of the attack lines
- large volume of fire = heavy smoke and heat
- search lines, thermal imaging cameras
- does the building have smoke vents? (automatic,
manual, melt type)

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Location and Extent of the fire;
- can determine what overall tactics are used
- what is burning?, how long has it been burning?
where is it going?, how fast will it get there?
- location within the building or property;
• cellar, basement, top floor, cockloft, shaft,
compactor, ducts, voids.
- fire impact on the building;
• collapse (length of time the fire has been burning)
- color of the smoke;
• stage of heating.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
Photo courtesy of Ed Tracy, Former Chief of Dept., Sierra Madre, CA
Location – 2nd floor
Extent – fully involved

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Time of the Day, Day of the Week, Time of the Year; (the IC
must consider time when calculating the life hazard)
- occupants sleeping at night (time of day)
- rush hour traffic, (time of day)
- holiday shopping (time of year)
- religious holidays (time of year)
- historic dates or anniversaries* (time of year)
- occupant load (time of day, day of week, time of year)
- limited visibility at night (time of day)
- re-flex time mutual aid (time recognized/request until operational)
*Historic dates or anniversaries could be a previous terrorist attack or politically significant
dates. (such as 9/11, Oklahoma City, Waco Texas, Iraq and/or Afghanistan wars)

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COAL WAS WEALTH
• Height of the building;
- building access, egress, exterior rescue operations
- High-Rise, (stack effect, control of HVAC)
- elevator operations
- standpipe operations
- fire escape stretches
- long stretches
- possible areas of refuge
- aerial/tower ladders (do you have them?, beyond your reach?)

Battalion Chief Dave Dodson in his presentation “The Art
of Reading Smoke”, states;
 “All personnel arriving on scene have a responsibility to
size-up the building, this includes reading smoke to
determine what is burning, where it is burning, how long
it’s been burning and how hot it is burning.”
 “FF’s must examine the smoke carefully. The decision to
enter or exit the structure, is based in part of these
characteristics of smoke, volume, velocity, density and
color.”
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 Smoke issuing from the structure tells a lot about what
the fire is going to do.
 Smoke is a combustible gas that can indicate the type
of fire and volume.
 Smoke can lead to a rollover, flashover or even a
backdraft.
* It should be noted here that modern building contents
involve hydrocarbon and synthetic based material such
as foam rubber, nylon, rayon and polypropylene.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
* A recent UL research project “Impact of Ventilation” on
modern content fires, disclosed that “a common event
during the experiments was that once the fire became
ventilation limited, the smoke being forced out of the gaps
of the houses greatly diminished or stopped all together.”
* “No smoke showing during size-up should increase
awareness of the potential conditions inside.”
* “Once the front door is opened, attention should be
given to the flow through the door. A rapid in-rush of air
or a tunneling effect could indicate a ventilation limited
fire.”

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
• Volume of smoke: relative to the size of the building, light
smoke from a large building can be deceptive;
- smoke volume is an indicator of the amount of fuels
that are “off-gassing” within a specified space.
- can establish relativity about the size of the fire.
- it would not take much fire to fill a 1200 square foot
dwelling with smoke, but it would take considerable
fire to show a small amount of smoke coming from
Macy’s or a Sears.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
Looking at the Volume of smoke coming from this
structure, what are you facing?
A lot of fuel
“off-
gassing”,
large fire

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
• Velocity of smoke (Pressure): Only two things can create
smoke pressure, 1. heat and 2. restricting the volume of smoke
within a room or building;
- velocity is an indicator of pressure built up within.
- volume pushed smoke will slow down right away
and will likely sink when it moves outside.
- heat pushed smoke will leave the building and
gradually slow as the smoke rises.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
• Velocity of smoke (Pressure):
- if the smoke is smooth or calm (also referred as
Laminar), the building is absorbing more heat.
- if the smoke is turbulent (rolling/boiling), a
flashover is likely to occur.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
How fast the smoke is leaving can indicate the volume or
heat and helps find the location of the fire. The faster the
smoke, the closer the fire, Velocity
Laminar
smoke in the
rear
Turbulent
smoke leaving
the front
Where is the
main body of
fire?

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
• Density of smoke: Incomplete combustion causes smoke to
thicken and become dense;
- smoke density is indicative of the amount of fuel
that is laden within the smoke.
- the thicker the smoke, the more fuel there is
available to burn.
- the more fuel available to burn, the more likely to
have a flashover.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
• Density of smoke:
- dense smoke has the ability to “light-off” at any
given time.
- for FF safety, remember…………..
“DENSE SMOKE UNDER HIGH VELOSITY IS A NO GO!!!!”

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
The Density of smoke indicates the quality of burning, the
continuity of fuel, and the likelihood and degree of an
outcome.
Looking
at the
density
of this
smoke,
what do
you think
will
happen? FLASHOVER

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
• Color of smoke:
- reading of smoke is essential to the outcome of the
incident.
- smoke color is not predictable to what is burning,
unless it is a single fuel fire.
- fire location.
- tan or brown smoke, natural materials.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
• Color of smoke:
- plastics and painted surfaces appear to be grey.
- the darker the smoke, the hotter it is.
- black smoke can appear grey when mixed with
moisture from other heated materials.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
As smoke travels throughout a building, carbon content is
left along walls and contents, causing the smoke to be
filtered and can lighten the smoke Color.
Therefore, white or
light smoke should
never be
overlooked !

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 The amount of smoke movement is also an indicator of
temperature.
- Twisting, boiling smoke which rises very rapidly, is
very hot.
- Lazy (Laminar), drifting smoke is not.
 If heavy smoke is showing from the entire building, but
you see no visible fire, expect a cellar/basement fire. Take
a quick look at the chimney to verify this. Even during the
heating season, a normal oil or gas burner does not send
large amounts of smoke up a chimney, but a working
cellar/basement fire can.

76
White ringed
black smoke
Exterior walls
(well insulated)
not hot
Air tight
structures may
not leak any
smoke
Thermopane
windows will
not conduct
heat to outer
pane
Thermopane
windows are glued
in – won’t rattle
Thick black
smoke will
likely obscure
any flame
Yesterday vs. Today
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

Do Your 3600 Size-UP
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
Photo by permission of The Firefighters Support Foundation
Looking at the fire from this position
Do Your 3600 Size-Up
Looks like fire on 2nd
and the top floor

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
Photo by permission of The Firefighters Support Foundation
But from this position!
Do Your 3600 Size-Up
A whole new
perspective on this
side, with an
exposure problem

 Remember, Size-Up starts with the receipt of the
alarm;
- where am I going?
- what type of structure and occupancy?
- what units are responding or on scene?
- monitor the radio for additional information from
dispatch, (numerous calls, people trapped, people on the fire
escape)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Remember, Size-Up starts with the receipt of the
alarm;
- listen to the Initial size-up by first arriving officer,
Is the Officer Excited?
- where is the fire located?
- what is being done?
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

 Upon arrival, perform or obtain a “ 360” size-up
around the perimeter of the building for a visual of the
affected area and the surrounding properties.
 Assess the situation for the following information:
- existing conditions and the actions taken (Offensive ,
Offensive–Defensive, Defensive-Offensive, Defensive Strategy or Offensive
Exterior Attack)
- the location and extent of the fire (what’s burning?, where is
it going?, how fast will it get there? How long has it been burning?)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

Assessment continued:
- the known and possible life hazards and the progress
of the searches (Primary and Secondary)
- the location of units present and where are they
operating
- is positive water supply established?
- what type of construction (buildings age, evidence of
deterioration, weathering, lightweight construction)
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
- any unique features? (parapet walls, marquees, signs,
and roof fixtures that could lead to a collapse, metal
roofs, solar panels, cell antennas)
- are there fire escapes present? (stretching of
hoselines)
- are there alternate entrance doors at the sides and/or
the rear?
- is the rear accessible?

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
- are there security gates, window bars or any
inaccessible window/door conditions?
- as units arrive, assign specific tasks or stage them
- is there a need for apparatus re-positioning?
- how well are portable ladders positioned?

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
- what is the location of operating hoselines? (need to
be re-positioned, additional lines needed?)
- how are operations progressing? (should units be re-
deployed, are additional units needed?)
- what are the fire, heat and smoke conditions?
(additional alarms or Mutual Aid?)
- has fire extended within the building?
- what type and location of interior stairs? (Scissor, spiral)

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
- any extension into the exposures? (Immediate or
potential problems?)
- topography?
- FAST/RIT/RIC unit(s) designated and on scene?
- Safety Officer designated and on scene?
- radio channel frequencies of operating units and
Command

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
- Incident Command Post (ICP)
- staging (location, security)
 The ICP should be established in proximity to the front
of the building, close enough to maintain radio
communications with the operating units but outside of
the collapse zone and far enough away to be able to
properly size-up the situation. If possible, able to view two
sides of the building

Incident Command Post
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 “The IC shall have overall authority for the management
of the incident”, (NFPA 1561 “Standard on Emergency Services Incident
Management System”, §5.3.1)
 The IC must establish and maintain a command post
outside of the structure to assign companies and delegate
functions, continually evaluate the risk versus gain of
continued fire fighting efforts. (NFPA 1561)
 This process includes initiating the tactical worksheet,
and starting the personnel accounting system. (NFPA 1561)

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 In establishing a command post (ICP), the IC shall
ensure the following; (NFPA 1561)
• The ICP is located in or tied to a vehicle to establish
presence and visibility.
• The ICP includes radio capability to monitor and
communicate with assigned tactical operations,
command, and designated traffic channels for the
incident.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 In establishing a command post (ICP), the IC shall
ensure the following; (NFPA 1561)
• The location of the ICP is communicated to the
dispatch center.
• The IC, or his/her designee, is present at the
command post.
• The ICP should be located in the incident cold zone.

Exposure #1 or
Alpha side
Exposure #4 or
Delta side
Exposure #2 or
Bravo side
Exposure #3 or
Charlie side
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
COMMAND POST (able to see two sides of the building and outside of the
collapse zone)

Practice Scenario
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 Many of the traditional “13” size-up points you might be
able to answer while responding, by knowing your district.
An alarm is transmitted for a part of your town that you
know is all private residential homes, you already have
some knowledge of the;
- Construction (type 5 wood frame)
- Occupancy (private residential)
- Apparatus/personnel/equipment (Unknown yet)
- Life (what time is the alarm?, residents awake or sleeping)
- Water (hydrants or tankers)
- Auxiliary Appliances (probably not)
- Street conditions/Topography (overhead wires)

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
- Street Conditions/Topography (level grade)
- Weather (you are out in it, snow, rain, wind)
- Exposures (due to zoning laws, min lot sizes, i.e. 40’x100’)
- Area of the building (private dwelling, building 25’ x 40’)
- Location and Extent of the fire (Unknown yet)
- Time (residents awake/sleeping, your FD response)
- Height (most private dwellings 1 or 2 stories)
 As by this example, you already possess information
that addresses “11” of the “13” points of a Size-Up.

Summary : ORCA – SIZE UP
MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
OPERATIONAL
RISKS
CONTEXT
ALGORITHM

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 Remember Size-Up starts with the receipt of the alarm
and continues until the fire is under control.
 Do your 3600 Size-Up, as the fire progresses, so will
your size-up.
 Get as much information as possible. Pre-plans play a
huge role before and during size-up.
Always be concerned with lightweight construction and
it’s presence must be reported to the IC and to all units.

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
 Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
 “Risk versus Reward”
• Risk a lot to save a lot (savable lives).
• Risk little to save little (savable property).
• Risk nothing to save nothing (lives/property already lost).
“EVERYBODY GOES HOME”

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
A special Thank You to the following for their comments
and suggestions in the preparation of this presentation.
A friend for more than forty years, Ed Tracy, former Chief
of Dept, Sierra Madre, CA.,
And
Dave Walsh, Program Chair, Dept of Fire Science,
Dutchess County Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY

MAKE A GOOD SIZE-UP
THANK YOU - ANY QUESTIONS?

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