What term describes the ongoing assessment of the situation, hazards, and resource needs at an incident?

• A. Logistics
• B. Communications
• C. Size-up
• D. Mission planning

Answer: (C)

Size-up is the ongoing, real-time assessment of an incident’s conditions, hazards, and resource needs. This process starts with the initial observations on arrival and continues throughout the event, adapting as factors change to guide choices about tactics, safety, and how resources are deployed. A thorough size-up considers building construction and occupancy, fire behavior, where victims and hazards are located, potential for collapse, weather and environment, and the status of personnel and equipment. It helps determine when to pursue offensive versus defensive strategies, where to position resources, and when to call for additional support. Other terms describe different functions—logistics covers supplies and support, communications ensures reliable messaging, and mission planning sets objectives and tactics—but the ongoing size-up is the live assessment that informs all of those decisions.