Most in the fire service would agree that our success at any building fire is determined by the actions of the initial arriving units (first alarm assignment). The ability of the first arriving unit to provide a sufficient initial on-scene report will provide other incoming units with the information and direction they need to position and operate in the most efficient manner and, hopefully, take care of the fire safely and quickly.

To be effective, the initial on-scene report needs to be clear, concise and relevant. Relevant information in this case would be information directly related to initial operations. There are many acronyms that can be used to create a size-up. However, most are very long, involve non-critical information and are subsequently difficult to remember. Though important for on-going size-up after units are on-scene and operating, they may not practical for an initial report with the cavalry charging in.

A very useful and effective acronym that I have used is the A-B-C-D Size-up. It provides clear and concise information in a uniform sequence that can be adopted by all to provide a standardized initial on-scene reporting method. The breakdown is as follows:

A- Address

B- Building Description

C- Conditions

D- Deployment and Directives

First, confirm the address of the incident. Many fires are called in by witnesses, neighbors or homeowners with cell phones. Accurately determining the incident location can affect running routes, layout instructions and apparatus placement. We responded to a house fire where, based on the dispatch information, the second due would have to pass the incident street (1st St.) and layout from 2nd St. to complete a split lay to us (1st Due). However, the actual incident location was across the street from a hydrant and we made our own water supply. This allowed the 2nd due to continue directly to the scene and provide much needed manpower.

Next, provide a useful description of the building. How many times have you heard someone mark on-scene with a “working house fire” and that’s it! That does nobody any good. An adequate description of the building will help incoming engine companies determine line size and length, trucks companies plan their searches, ladders and ventilation and chiefs’ consideration for additional resources.

Going hand in hand with the building description is a report of conditions. Announcing that you have a “working house fire” is useless to incoming units for determining strategy and tactics. When describing conditions, paint a picture for incoming units. Describe how much smoke and/or fire you have and give a specific location within the building. The following provides a vivid mental picture that can be useful to incoming units, “I have heavy smoke showing from the second floor, Alpha/ Delta corner”.

Finally, announce what you are doing and what needs to done (deployment and directives). This begins with identifying the operational mode (investigating, rescue, offensive or defensive). This automatically tells incoming units what mindset to be in. Next, provide any additional instructions to specific units or to dispatch. This may include layout or placement instructions, announcement of special hazards or requesting additional alarms.

Below are a couple of examples to help you get started:

“Engine 1 is on-scene at 1 Main St. I have a 1-story single family dwelling with light smoke showing from the Charlie/Delta corner. This will be a working fire, Engine 1 has it’s own water supply and will be going offensive, Command will be passed to Battalion 1,"

“Battalion 1 is on-scene at 321 Terrace Drive with a 2-story commercial dwelling with fire showing from the Second division side Alpha. This will be an offensive working fire. Engine 1 will be attack on Division 2, Engine 2 will pull a back up line and Truck 1 will report to the roof for ventilation and give me ladders for egress. I also need a Second Alarm.”

The A-B-C-D Size-up is ideal for providing relevant information in a short and sweet radio message. Hopefully this will help you give solid initial on scene reports that lead to successful operations.

Thanks and be SAFE