Tactical Priorities

What Is Tactical Priorities?

Tactical priorities are the ordered operational benchmarks governing fireground Incident Command: 1) Rescue / Life Safety, 2) Fire Control / Incident Stabilization, 3) Property Conservation / Salvage, abbreviated as LIP.

Why Tactical Priorities Matters on the Fireground

Tactical priorities dictate resource allocation. Rescue always supersedes property preservation. Establishing clear priorities prevents commanders from diverting crews to salvage while primary search remains incomplete.

Relevant NFPA Standards

• NFPA 1010: Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters
• NFPA 1550: Standard for Emergency Responder Health and Safety

Field Procedures & Tactical Steps

1. Address Priority 1 (Life Safety): execute primary search and rescue, control entry flow paths, and protect interior search corridors.
2. Address Priority 2 (Incident Stabilization): advance attack lines, knock down main body of fire, and isolate utilities.
3. Address Priority 3 (Property Conservation): perform salvage, tarp furnishings, clear water, and complete overhaul.
4. Transmit benchmark completion reports to dispatch ('Primary search clear', 'Fire under control').
5. Transition to post-incident analysis and scene demobilization.

Common Context & Application

Guides decision-making on all structural fires, rescues, and hazmat emergencies from initial size-up through scene release.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tactical Priorities