What is one of the leading causes of firefighter line-of-duty deaths?

The leading cause of firefighter line-of-duty deaths is often attributed to an inadequate or improper size-up. The size-up process involves assessing the situation before engaging in firefighting efforts, including evaluating the fire behavior, building structure, available resources, and potential hazards. Effective size-up is crucial because it informs every subsequent decision, such as tactics for fire suppression, resource allocation, and safety measures.

When the size-up is inadequate, it can lead to miscalculations about the fire dynamics, structural integrity, and the potential for flashovers or backdrafts, thus putting firefighters at greater risk. Additionally, without a thorough assessment, there may be a failure to recognize critical conditions that could endanger personnel, potentially resulting in dire consequences. Proper training and awareness of how to conduct a comprehensive size-up allow firefighters to effectively mitigate risks and enhance their safety while performing their duties.