Which statement best describes size-up?

• A. It is a one-time assessment
• B. It is an ongoing evaluation
• C. It is performed only by the incident commander
• D. It is completed after the fire is under control

Answer: (B)

Size-up is an ongoing evaluation of the incident. From the moment you arrive, you gather information about building construction, fire behavior, hazards, occupancy, potential for collapse, exposures, and resource needs, and you use that information to shape strategy and actions. As conditions change, you continuously re–assess and adjust priorities, tactics, and resource allocation. This process isn’t finished once the fire is suppressed; it continues through overhaul and into demobilization to ensure safety and proper termination of the incident. While the incident commander leads the decisions, size-up is a dynamic activity that involves updates from the whole team.