Risk management is one of the most important but frequently ignored fireground management skills. The volunteer fire service is particularly vulnerable because of a lack of understanding and training in a risk management system, why we need it, how it works, and how to use it. What are some risk reduction strategies? How do you identify risks and dangers and how they affect firefighters? How do you control those risks and limit danger to firefighters? How often have firefighters taken unnecessary risks?

Firefighting is a dangerous job, but risks need to be measured against the capabilities of the responding firefighters. Do their capabilities match the immediate needs of the size-up? What about your personal capabilities? Are you truly prepared?