Commercial Fire Tactical Decision Game
This commercial fire tactical decision game (TDG) challenges IC #1, the company officer, to manage the first operational decisions at a commercial structure fire. This 10-Minute Training places you at 533 Louisiana Boulevard SE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. You are dispatched as a single company to an outside fire. However, conditions on arrival require a rapid shift in your frame of reference.
The incident requires fast size-up and disciplined action. You must evaluate fire location, building access, exposure conditions, staffing, water supply, and the arrival sequence of additional resources. The first few minutes shape fire control, resource needs, and command transfer.
Decision Focus
IC #1 must decide what the problem is, what to do first, and how to direct the crew. The decision focus includes the initial radio report, task orders, water supply, line selection, limited reconnaissance, and the CAN report provided during command transfer.
Incident Video
This commercial fire tactical decision game uses a still image and incident video to support realistic decision-making. Examine the still image and watch the assigned video segments and examine the conditions on arrival. Then decide what actions you would take and what orders you would give.
Important Lessons
This commercial fire TDG reinforces the need to adjust expectations when conditions do not match the dispatch information. Engine 5 anticipated an outside fire. Instead, the crew had to initiate operations at a commercial structure fire with limited staffing.
Early decisions must account for water application, access, and the time required to establish a continuous water supply. The additional learning segment extends the drill by examining the “on a hydrant” tactical play. It also focuses on stretching multiple lines, task-level efficiency, flow rate, and hose deployment options.
What Does Good Look Like
Good performance includes a clear initial radio report, rapid crew direction, effective water application, and early action to secure water supply. IC #1 should communicate what is happening, what actions are underway, and what resources are needed next.
Learn more about how to use 10-Minute Training and find additional tactical decision games in the 10-Minute Training Library.
