Residential Fire Tactical Decision Game
This residential fire tactical decision game places you as the first-arriving company officer at a working structure fire with reported visible flames and unknown occupancy status. This Tactical Decision Game (TDG) presents a residential fire scenario designed to develop fireground decision-making, emphasizing rapid size-up, water application, and transition from exterior to interior operations. Dispatch reports active fire showing from a window in a mixed-use area with older residential construction and cold weather conditions influencing operations.
Decision Focus
his residential fire TDG requires you to manage critical early actions under time pressure while integrating incoming information and anticipating fire behavior. Key decision requirements include:
- size-up
- strategy selection
- tactical priorities
- resource assignment
- communication
Incident Video
The residential fire tactical decision game incorporates real incident video to support decision-making under realistic conditions. You should review the initial 35 seconds of the incident video to assess conditions on arrival and compare them to your expectations. Continue reviewing the extended video to evaluate fire growth, water application, and operational timing as the incident develops. This external video reinforces recognition-primed decision making by linking cues, expectancies, and action selection.
Important Lessons
This residential fire TDG highlights how initial actions influence time to water on the fire and overall incident outcomes. It reinforces recognition of critical cues, anticipation of fire conditions, and decision-making under time pressure. Additionally, it emphasizes command and communication during early operations, especially when coordinating arriving companies. The scenario also addresses exterior water application, air entrainment, and regrowth following an initial quick hit based on research conducted by Underwriters Laboratories Fire Safety Research Institute (UL FSRI). The PDF includes an additional learning section that expands on water application methods, fire dynamics, and tactical effectiveness.
What Does Good Look Like?
Strong performance in this residential fire tactical decision game includes a clear size-up, an appropriate strategy based on conditions, and timely decisions that prioritize fire control. Effective coordination with incoming resources supports rapid water application and limits fire growth. Command presence is demonstrated through concise communication and adaptable tactics as conditions evolve. This Tactical Decision Game is part of the Command Competence 10-Minute Training system.
Learn more about how to use 10-Minute Training and find additional tactical decision games in the 10-Minute Training Library.
