By: Emergent Team
Firegrounds are high-risk environments where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. Even the most experienced firefighters can make mistakes under pressure, often due to poor communication, inadequate training, or momentary lapses in judgment. While mistakes are inevitable, many can be anticipated and prevented with the right preparation. By recognizing these 7 common fireground pitfalls and implementing best practices, fire departments can enhance firefighter safety, improve operational efficiency, and reduce avoidable risks.
1. Inadequate 360-Degree Size-Up
A 360-degree size-up is the foundation of an effective fire response. Without a complete assessment of the structure, fire conditions, and potential hazards, firefighters risk overcommitting resources, missing signs of collapse, or failing to locate victims.
Why It Happens:
- Rushing into a scene due to adrenaline and urgency
- Limited visibility or obstructions
- Poor communication between incident commanders and crews
How to Avoid It:
- The incident commander must conduct a full 360-degree assessment before interior operations begin.
- Train crews to identify key hazards, such as wind direction, building construction, and fire progression.
- Utilize thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden fire spread and structural integrity concerns.
2. Failure to Establish Command and Control
Without a clear Incident Command System (ICS) in place, confusion, duplicated efforts, and safety hazards can quickly escalate. A well-structured command system ensures proper resource allocation, accountability, and effective decision-making.
Why It Happens:
- Lack of pre-assigned roles within the fire department
- Unclear chain of command during large-scale incidents
- Complacency in smaller fires or routine calls
How to Avoid It:
- Assign an Incident Commander (IC) upon arrival and ensure everyone understands their role.
- Implement fireground communication protocols, ensuring clear and direct orders.
- Utilize fireground software solutions to track resources, personnel, and assignments in real time.
3. Neglecting Fireground Communications
Firefighters depend on seamless communication to coordinate efforts and identify evolving hazards. Poor radio discipline or overlapping transmissions can lead to critical misunderstandings and delays.
Why It Happens:
- Radio traffic congestion on shared channels
- Failure to acknowledge orders and updates
- Inconsistent terminology among responding units
How to Avoid It:
- Establish clear communication protocols using standardized terminology.
- Use separate radio channels for interior crews, command, and water supply teams.
- Conduct regular radio training drills to reinforce proper use and etiquette.
4. Taking Shortcuts in Ventilation Operations
Proper ventilation helps control fire spread, improve visibility, and create safer conditions for interior operations. However, failing to ventilate correctly—or skipping it altogether—can cause rapid fire growth and unpredictable conditions.
Why It Happens:
- Time constraints or urgency to enter the structure
- Misunderstanding of fire behavior and ventilation timing
- Lack of coordination between ventilation and fire suppression efforts
How to Avoid It:
- Train crews to recognize when, where, and how to ventilate based on fire conditions.
- Ensure horizontal and vertical ventilation tactics align with the fire attack strategy.
- Use smoke indicators and thermal imaging to determine ideal vent points.
5. Inefficient Hose Line Selection and Placement
Choosing the wrong hose line or poor placement can delay suppression efforts, and wastewater supply, and increase firefighter exposure.
Why It Happens:
- Underestimating fire volume and intensity
- Poor coordination between attack and backup lines
- Hose lines stretched too short or through ineffective access points
How to Avoid It:
- Pre-plan hose line selection based on structure size and occupancy type.
- Assign backup lines for firefighter protection and exposure control.
- Train on hose deployment drills, ensuring quick and effective positioning.
6. Ignoring Mayday Protocols and Firefighter Accountability
Firefighters must be prepared for worst-case scenarios, including being lost, trapped, or low on air. However, some departments lack standardized Mayday procedures, delaying crucial rescues.
Why It Happens:
- Failure to regularly train on Mayday calls
- Hesitation to call for help early
- Lack of firefighter tracking systems
How to Avoid It:
- Implement a firefighter accountability system that tracks crew locations.
- Train firefighters to call a Mayday at the first sign of trouble, not as a last resort.
- Use fireground software to monitor assignments and emergency signals in real-time.
7. Overlooking Rehab and Firefighter Safety
The intensity of fireground operations can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, cardiac events, and poor decision-making.
Why It Happens:
- Crew members push beyond safe operating limits
- Lack of mandatory rehab protocols
- Insufficient hydration and rest breaks
How to Avoid It:
- Establish rehab sectors where firefighters hydrate, rest, and monitor vitals.
- Implement NFPA 1580 standards for firefighter rehabilitation.
- Use wearable tracking devices to monitor firefighter exertion and prevent overexertion.
How Software Can Help Prevent Fireground Mistakes
Emergent’s Fire Incident Command software helps fire departments track resources, improve communication, and enhance situational awareness. With features such as:
- Incident Command tracking for real-time resource allocation
- Firefighter accountability systems to monitor crew locations
- Automated Mayday alerts for quicker emergency response
- Digital pre-plan integration to improve tactical decision-making
Fire departments that integrate technology into fireground operations reduce human error, improve efficiency, and ultimately save lives. Looking to enhance safety and efficiency on the fireground? Contact Emergent today to see how our software solutions can help your department avoid these common mistakes.
