Departments must avoid impractical command practices that slow or hamper putting the fire out, but must also avoid a lack of strong command that fails to organize the incident and aggressively deploy crews to solve the problem. This program discusses best practices incident commanders can use to maximize the capabilities of their firefighting forces. Sections include:

The Aggressive Command Mindset

• ​Why does strong command matter?

• The effect of poor command officers

• The “Firefighter’s Chief”

• What is, and isn’t, a strong incident command system

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Pre-Incident Musts for Success

• ​The company officer / chief officer relationship

• Expectations and the playbook

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Strong Command for Strong Firefighting

• ​Pre-arrival actions & managing the response

• Assuming command & setting up the command post 

• Understanding the task, tactical, and strategic levels

• Incident size-up – matching action to conditions

• Tactical worksheets – tracking companies & action

• Divide & conquer – decentralized command Managing the incident on conditions and benchmarks

• Controlling incident communications

• Practical accountability practices

• Incident safety on the modern fireground

Cumbersome command practices that allow the building to burn down while command is “setup” are just as frustrating and problematic as the lack of any strong direction and organization.