I spend an awful lot of time reading and reviewing NIOSH reports. (I suggest you might want to do the same !)

A common thread has appeared that I guess I always knew was there but now has become more obvious.

In many cases there are reports of ICS, or a command system of some form being used. Later in the narrative if you read closely and with a critical eye, you find out that the IC or commander was clearly not in charge of anything other than to get more resources.

You will clearly see that critical and pivotal decisions were being made by company officers and senior firefighters inside the building. They decided to go to upper floors and change floors, they decided to go above the fire without a line, they decided to take critical actions sometimes without the knowledge of the IC.

Yeah so what? Thats the way we always do it! You can't possibly want me to report all my actions to the IC. I know my job. Thats what you pay me for, to make those decisions from the inside, where the action is!

I guess it's time to think a little bit more about this issue. At least I am going to. If command is not just going to be reactionary, then information must be carried out the way command believes it is happening.

If you are an incident commander, think about if you are in command, or if you are reacting to what the troops are doing inside, that are driving you and your decisions.

After all,...you know what happens when we assume anything!

ASS / U / ME !