What steps should be taken before entering a burning structure?

Before entering a burning structure, it is essential to conduct a size-up of the incident and check for hazards. This process involves evaluating the current situation to gather vital information about the fire's conditions, the layout of the building, the potential for structural collapse, and the presence of any hazardous materials or occupants that may be inside. Size-up allows firefighters to make informed decisions, prioritize their actions, and ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Checking for hazards can include looking for the possibility of backdrafts, flashover conditions, or any other risks that could undermine the effort to control the fire or endanger personnel. This step plays a crucial role in strategic planning and helps shape the approach to mitigate the fire effectively while minimizing risks.

While establishing safety zones and ensuring clear communication is important in firefighting operations, it is secondary to the primary need for situational awareness and the assessment of hazards. Entering the structure immediately or waiting for the fire to extinguish itself are both inappropriate actions that could lead to increased danger for firefighters and those potentially trapped inside. Proper size-up takes precedence and lays the foundation for all subsequent actions during firefighting operations.