How often should progress reports be made to update fire ground personnel?

Progress reports on the fire ground are essential for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the operation. The standard best practice is to provide these updates every 15 minutes. This interval strikes a balance between keeping all relevant parties informed about evolving conditions, resource needs, and any safety issues without overwhelming the command structure with too frequent reports.

Using a 15-minute interval allows for timely reassessment of the situation, facilitating necessary adjustments to operational tactics and improving coordination among teams. It also ensures that firefighters are aware of critical developments, which is vital in dynamic and potentially hazardous environments. The choice of 15 minutes aligns with the urgency of communication in emergency operations and is commonly adopted in fire service protocols to enhance overall effectiveness.