CAPT_COMMAND_COMBINED_SET_2026

Question 1

What 3 ICS roles do Company Officers (Captains) commonly fill in SOP 201.01?

Answer 1

1) Incident Commander (IC) when appropriate. 2) Sector Officer when appropriate. 3) Manage task-level activities/supervise firefighters.

Question 2

What are the 3 Tactical Objectives Command is responsible for completing (SOP 201.01)?

Answer 2

Rescue; Fire Control; Property Conservation.

Question 3

Why does MFMD use ICS at incident scenes (high-level purpose)?

Answer 3

To effectively manage personnel/resources and provide for the safety and welfare of personnel during incidents.

Question 4

List the 8 Functions of Command (SOP 201.01).

Answer 4

1) Assume/announce Command & establish CP. 2) Size-up. 3) Communications. 4) Resource management. 5) Strategy + IAP + assignments. 6) Build organization (Sectors/Divisions/Groups). 7) Review/revise strategy/IAP. 8) Continuity/transfer/termination of Command.

Question 5

In SOP 201.01, how many Functions of Command must be addressed immediately from initial assumption of Command?

Answer 5

The first six functions.

Question 6

What does “incident organization” help the IC do?

Answer 6

Track, communicate with, and account for resources in order to meet tactical objectives.

Question 7

In the basic Command structure for a routine incident with a small number of companies, what happens organizationally?

Answer 7

Command combines strategic + tactical levels; companies report directly to Command and operate at the task level.

Question 8

What is a Sector (in SOP 201.01 terms)?

Answer 8

A smaller, more manageable unit of incident scene organization used to divide command into manageable pieces.

Question 9

What is ‘span of control’?

Answer 9

The maximum number of subordinates (e.g., sectors) an IC can effectively manage.

Question 10

What is the typical span of control for Sectors, and what is the maximum that should never be exceeded?

Answer 10

Usually 5 sectors; should never exceed 7 sectors.

Question 11

What are the 3 members of the Command Team (Incident Advisory Team) on first & greater alarm incidents?

Answer 11

Incident Commander (IC); Support Officer; Senior Advisor.

Question 12

In the Command Team, who should be the only member talking on the tactical radio channel (per SOP 201.01)?

Answer 12

The officer assigned to communicate directly to companies/sectors/branches, using the radio designation “Command”.

Question 13

List 4 responsibilities of the Support Officer (SOP 201.01).

Answer 13

Examples: evaluate/recommend changes to IAP; provide direction on tactical objectives/critical factors; function as Incident Safety Officer; evaluate need for resources; assign logistics; assist tactical worksheet/accountability; evaluate organization/span (any 4).

Question 14

What is the Senior Advisor’s focus on the Command Team?

Answer 14

The big picture: review size-up/risk plan/strategy/IAP; guide changes; forecast impacts; initiate expansion to branches/sections as needed.

Question 15

Who outranks everyone on the incident scene (per SOP 201.01)?

Answer 15

The Incident Commander (IC).

Question 16

If a higher-ranking officer wants to change incident management, what must happen first?

Answer 16

They must be on scene and follow the Transfer of Command procedure (no automatic transfer).

Question 17

In extreme safety situations, who can initiate corrective action?

Answer 17

Anyone—by notifying Command and taking corrective action as needed.

Question 18

On a multiple-unit response, who automatically assumes Command on arrival (SOP 201.01)?

Answer 18

The first fire department member or unit to arrive on scene.

Question 19

How long does the initial IC remain in Command?

Answer 19

Until Command is transferred OR the incident is stabilized and Command is terminated.

Question 20

Do one- or two-company responses always require formally assuming Command?

Answer 20

No. If not expected to escalate beyond those companies, formal Command may not be required—but the first arriving officer remains responsible for needed Command functions.

Question 21

Give 3 examples of incidents where formal Command may not be required (per SOP 201.01).

Answer 21

Single unit response; Check Hazard; EMS call requiring only one or two companies.

Question 22

What initiates the command process for the first arriving unit?

Answer 22

Giving an initial radio report.

Question 23

Initial Radio Report: What are the first 2 items in the On-Scene report?

Answer 23

1) Clear alarm. 2) Unit designation/on the scene.

Question 24

Initial Radio Report: What must be included in the building/area description?

Answer 24

Occupancy; size (large/medium/small); height (assume 1 story unless reported otherwise).

Question 25

Initial Radio Report: List the possible 'obvious problem/conditions' options named in SOP 201.01.

Answer 25

Nothing showing (checking); Smoke showing (amount/location); Fire showing (amount/location); Working fire; Fully involved.

Question 26

Initial Radio Report: What must be stated about actions taken?

Answer 26

Action taken (e.g., assuming command, laying a line, attacking with…).

Question 27

Initial Radio Report: What strategy must be declared?

Answer 27

Offensive or defensive.

Question 28

Initial Radio Report: What is 'Command confirmation'?

Answer 28

Confirm Command with a name (use occupancy or address: e.g., '7th Street Command').

Question 29

What is the radio designation format for Command?

Answer 29

Use “COMMAND” with the occupancy or address of the incident (e.g., '7th Street Command').

Question 30

Does the Command designation change during the incident?

Answer 30

No. It does not change; 'Command' stays with the officer currently in Command.

Question 31

Follow-up Report: What 4 things should be included?

Answer 31

Immediate safety concerns; Accountability started (announce initial accountability location); Disposition of resources (hold/add/return); Disposition of IRIC (only if IRIC will not be present).

Question 32

What 3 Command options/modes are described for the initial (often Captain) IC?

Answer 32

Investigative Mode (Nothing Showing); Fast Attack; Stationary Command Post (Command Mode).

Question 33

Investigative Mode: What does the Company Officer do?

Answer 33

Goes with the company to investigate while commanding with a portable radio.

Question 34

Fast Attack: When is it used (general)?

Answer 34

Visible working fires (houses/small commercial) or other situations where the Captain’s direct participation will positively impact outcome (search/rescue, fire control, crew safety).

Question 35

Fast Attack: What should IC #1 do regarding the incoming attack team and staging?

Answer 35

Give an initial radio report and quickly assign an attack team (2 engines + a ladder) coming in behind; next arriving units stage.

Question 36

Fast Attack: How long should the Fast-attack-mobile Command mode last?

Answer 36

Only a few minutes.

Question 37

Fast Attack ends with what 3 outcomes (SOP 201.01)?

Answer 37

1) Situation stabilized, OR 2) Command transferred, OR 3) IC moves to an exterior stationary Command position.

Question 38

Fast Attack safety rule about radios (SOP 201.01)?

Answer 38

No crew will remain in a hazardous area without radio communications.

Question 39

Stationary Command Post: When should it be used early?

Answer 39

When incident size/complexity/potential for rapid expansion demands early, strong, stationary command from the outset.

Question 40

Stationary Command Post: Where does the IC stay?

Answer 40

Out of the hazard zone, in a stationary exterior command position, until termination or transfer.

Question 41

Stationary Command Post: What tool must be initiated/used?

Answer 41

The tactical worksheet.

Question 42

If a Company Officer assumes a Command mode, what 3 options exist for the remaining crew?

Answer 42

1) Move up an acting officer within the company. 2) Assign crew to staff functions (recon/reporting, comms assist, worksheet tracking). 3) Assign personnel to another company (acknowledged by both officers and included in accountability).

Question 43

Does the arrival of a ranking Officer automatically transfer Command?

Answer 43

No. Command transfers only when the Transfer of Command process is completed.

Question 44

Can Command be transferred to an officer who is not on the scene?

Answer 44

No. 'Passing Command' to an off-scene unit creates a gap; Command shall not be transferred to an officer not on scene.

Question 45

Preferred method to transfer Command?

Answer 45

Face-to-face.

Question 46

In what situation may it be advantageous for a Company Officer IC to transfer Command to the next company ON SCENE?

Answer 46

When the first arriving company’s initial commitment requires a full crew (e.g., high-rise or immediate rescue) and another company/command officer is on scene.

Question 47

If a later arriving company/command officer cannot locate or communicate with Command after several radio attempts, what happens?

Answer 47

They assume and announce Command and take actions necessary to confirm safety of the missing crew.

Question 48

Transfer of Command: What 5 items must the relieved IC brief to the incoming IC (minimum)?

Answer 48

Incident conditions; Incident management plan/progress on Tactical Objectives; Safety considerations; Deployment/assignments; Need for additional resources.

Question 49

When should Command consider assigning a command officer to a sector?

Answer 49

When there are three or more operating companies in a sector, and as incidents expand (the SOP also notes considering a command officer for any sector with 3+ companies).

Question 50

When should Command assign Sectors (decision points)?

Answer 50

When companies/assignments threaten to overload IC; when IC forecasts major operation soon exceeding span; complex operations; companies out of sight; special hazards requiring close control.

Question 51

When establishing a Sector, what must the IC assign to the Sector Officer?

Answer 51

Tactical objectives; a radio designation; identity of resources assigned to the sector.

Question 52

Sector guideline: What is a reasonable maximum span of control for a Sector Officer during offensive fires?

Answer 52

Five (5) companies.

Question 53

Sector guideline: What is a reasonable maximum span of control for a Sector Officer during defensive fires?

Answer 53

Seven (7) companies.

Question 54

How can Sectors be designated when directional naming is confusing?

Answer 54

Use Sector A/B/C/D (Alpha/Bravo/Charlie/Delta). Sector A is the front (address side), then clockwise.

Question 55

How are Sectors typically identified in multi-story occupancies?

Answer 55

By floor number (e.g., Sector 15), possibly subdivided (Sector 15 East/West).

Question 56

Sector Officer positioning requirement?

Answer 56

Must be in position to directly supervise and monitor operations; if in hazard zone, must be accompanied by a partner (normally a FIT) and remain identifiable/visible.

Question 57

List 6 key Sector Officer responsibilities (SOP 201.01).

Answer 57

Directly supervise work; monitor safety/accountability/welfare; develop sector IAP; monitor progress/redirect/coordinate; request resources; advise IC of status/changes/progress; manage Maydays; reallocate/decommit as needed (any 6).

Question 58

What is the primary function of a Company Officer working within a Sector?

Answer 58

Direct their individual crew performing assigned tasks.

Question 59

How should Company Officers communicate progress to the Sector Officer (preferred)?

Answer 59

Face-to-face.

Question 60

Within a Sector, where must requests for additional resources/assistance be directed?

Answer 60

To the Sector Officer.

Question 61

When should Branch Officers be utilized?

Answer 61

When sector span of control is maximized OR incidents have two or more distinctly different major management components (e.g., large fire + major evacuation; large fire + many patients).

Question 62

What happens to radio channels when Branches are implemented?

Answer 62

IC assigns a separate radio channel for communications within the Branch; sectors are told their Branch assignment and channel.

Question 63

When Sector Officers contact their Branch Officer, what radio designation do they still use?

Answer 63

They still use the radio designation of 'Command'.

Question 64

When providing branch/channel changes to companies in the sector, what should the Sector Officer obtain?

Answer 64

A PAR and ensure members are operating on the assigned channel.

Question 65

What are the 4 core Sections for major incident management?

Answer 65

Logistics; Planning; Operations; Administrative.

Question 66

Give 3 Logistics Section responsibilities listed in SOP 201.01.

Answer 66

Provide rehab; manage staging; provide supplies/equipment; forecast future needs; provide comms equipment; fuel/repairs; food; facilities; other logistical needs; after-action info (any 3).