working fire

working fire

A US term of art for a fire in a structure that requires the use of at least one hoseline, and holding all personnel at the initial alarm assignment. Once a blaze is deemed a working fire, “dispatch” will call an additional engine company to the scene, and trigger the rapid intervention team (RIT), place ambulance(s) on standby, and notify the safety officer and chiefs. In general, a working fire is one capable of causing considerable destruction of property or loss of lives.