Define size up.

Define size up.

• A. A physical measurement of building dimensions
• B. A weather forecast for the incident
• C. A mental evaluation of incident factors that determines the course of action necessary to achieve a desired goal
• D. A checklist of equipment required

Answer: (C)

Size up is the ongoing mental assessment responders perform at an incident to understand what is happening and decide what actions are needed to reach the goals of rescue, containment, and safety. It involves weighing factors such as building construction and layout, occupancy, fire and smoke conditions, location and access, potential hazards, the risk to occupants and responders, water supply and manpower, and how conditions may change with time and weather. This thinking guides the chosen strategy and tactics and is updated as new information emerges. It’s not simply measuring the building, forecasting the weather, or listing equipment—the latter are separate tasks.

Size up is the ongoing mental assessment responders perform at an incident to understand what is happening and decide what actions are needed to reach the goals of rescue, containment, and safety. It involves weighing factors such as building construction and layout, occupancy, fire and smoke conditions, location and access, potential hazards, the risk to occupants and responders, water supply and manpower, and how conditions may change with time and weather. This thinking guides the chosen strategy and tactics and is updated as new information emerges. It’s not simply measuring the building, forecasting the weather, or listing equipment—the latter are separate tasks.