When arriving at a fire, one of the key priorities is to get a briefing. At fires, briefings are usually given using the acronym SMEACS to ensure that everyone gets the information the need.
Situation – what the current situation is;
Mission – the overall objective i.e. what you’re trying to achieve;
Execution – how you’re going to achieve the objective;
Administration – logistical information such as water supplies, catering etc;
Command and Communications – command structures and communications plans;
Safety – weather, other known safety issues including hazards.
By ensuring you get a briefing that follows the SMEACS structure, you’ll make sure that you have the information you need to keep you and your crews safe at a fire.
