I recently posted some reference materials and information in the Command Safety Forum regarding Rapid Intervention and Revisiting the 2001 Southwest Supermarket Fire. (Posted on August 16, 2008 Command Safety). Included was the Southwest Supermarket Fire Report from the Phoenix (AZ) FD. If you have never read the report, do so; its required reading.

Based upon where the fire service is presently in the development of RIT and FAST, here’s some open questions to generate some dialog and perspectives;

How many personnel are assigned to your RIT/FAST Company?

Do you utilize multiple companies for RIT assignment?

What are the prerequisites as far as training, qualifications, experience levels etc., to be assigned to a RIT/FAST function?

Does the RIT Team Leader/Commanding Officer overseeing RIT have any special qualifications?

In volunteer organizations; is there a minimum age and/or years of experience one would have before being assigned to RIT duties and functions?

Do the personnel assigned to RIT functions receive or participate in any periodic or special drills and training on a regular basis? If so, what kind.

Let's see where we are across the nation in terms of RIT operations....