The BASIC Size-Up
B, S, I, C are fixed — pick the A that sticks. Announce top to bottom.
B
Building
What it is + how many stories
A
Area of fire
Location + extent — where is it, how much
What you announceAssess
Read the smoke — volume, velocity, color
What you doS
Search
Victims / life hazard — anyone to get?
I
Intent
Mode — fast attack / defensive / investigating
C
Command
"Engine ___ has Command"
On the radio, it sounds the same either way:
"Engine 12 on scene, two-story single-family dwelling [B],
heavy fire showing second floor Charlie side [A],
occupants reported still inside [S], going offensive [I],
Engine 12 has Command [C]."
Coach's cue
"Area" is the reporter's A — the fact you transmit. "Assess" is the reader's A — the skill you perform.
Same slot, same radio call. Whichever way it files in a student's head, the B·S·I·C spine never moves.
