IAFC's 10 Rules of Engagement
The International Association of Fire Chief's (IAFC), in 2001, developed and published its "10 Rules of Engagement for Structural Firefighting" that apply to all fires:

Acceptability of Risk

No building or property is worth the life of a firefighter.
All interior fire fighting involves an inherent risk.
Some risk is acceptable, in a measured and controlled manner.
No level of risk is acceptable where there is no potential to save lives or savable property.
Firefighters shall not be committed to interior offensive fire fighting operations in abandoned or derelict buildings.

Risk Assessment

All feasible measures shall be taken to limit or avoid risks through risk assessment by a qualified officer.
It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander to evaluate the level of risk in every situation.
Risk assessment is a continuous process for the entire duration of each incident.
If conditions change, and risk increases, change strategy and tactics.
No building or property is worth the life of a firefighter.

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