Initial Command Checklist

A quick-reference for the first arriving officer/member taking command, based on BCERMS/ICS principles. Pair with 01_Wildfire/Operations/Wildfire_Response_Checklist.md for wildfire-specific actions and 02_Fire_Officer/Incident_Command/Tactical_Worksheet_Template.md for ongoing tracking.

On Arrival

1. Give an arrival/initial radio report:

   • Unit identification
   • Brief description of conditions (what you see)
   • Obvious safety concerns/hazards
   • Brief assessment of structure(s)/area (size, occupancy/use if known)
   • Action being taken
   • Declaration of strategy (offensive/defensive) where applicable
   • Any obvious resource needs
   • Statement of command (e.g., "[Unit] will be [Location] Command")

2. Establish Command:

   • Announce command name/location on the radio.
   • Decide: Investigative mode (brief, mobile) vs. Command mode (fixed, dedicated to command).
   • Position the Incident Command Post (ICP) for visibility, safety, and access — not blocking other apparatus.

3. Initial size-up (ongoing, not one-time):

   • Life safety — anyone inside, anyone reporting people unaccounted for?
   • Incident type, size, and what it's doing
   • Resources on scene vs. resources needed
   • Access, exposures, and hazards
   • Weather/conditions affecting the incident

Building/Maintaining Command

• Confirm accountability — track all personnel/apparatus on scene (PAR — personnel accountability report — taken regularly and after any significant event).
• Assign and track resources — divisions/groups, tasks, and locations. Use the tactical worksheet to track this in writing as soon as practical.
• Communications — confirm working channel(s); switch to a tactical/fireground channel if needed and announce the change.
• Request mutual aid / additional resources early rather than late — it's easier to cancel resources en route than to wait too long.
• Establish a staging area if multiple additional resources are responding.

Transfer of Command

When command is transferred (e.g., to a more senior officer or duty officer):

1. Transfer should occur face-to-face if possible, or by radio if not.
2. The person transferring command gives a full briefing:
   • Incident conditions (current status)
   • Safety considerations/hazards
   • Incident objectives and current strategy
   • Current organization (who's assigned where)
   • Resource assignments and progress
   • Resources requested/en route
3. Announce the transfer on the radio so all units know who is now Command.
4. The outgoing IC should remain available to assist if needed (e.g., as a Division/Group supervisor or in a support role).

Common ICS/BCERMS Forms (Reference)

For most JRFD-scale incidents, an ICS 201 plus a tactical worksheet and activity log will cover documentation needs. Larger or extended incidents (project fires, multi-day events) will move toward a fuller Planning Section and IAP.

Documentation Reminders

• Note times for: dispatch, arrival, command established, water on fire / first action, fire under control, last unit clear.
• Track major decisions and the reasoning (useful for AARs and any post-incident review).
• Photograph scene conditions where useful (before/after, hazards, damage) subject to privacy considerations.