What type of message should the Incident Commander announce to change from an offensive to a defensive strategy?

The appropriate message for the Incident Commander to announce when changing from an offensive to a defensive strategy is an urgent message. This type of communication is crucial because it indicates a significant shift in operational strategy that directly impacts the safety of personnel on the scene.

An urgent message conveys the immediacy and seriousness of the situation, alerting all responding units and personnel that the current tactics may no longer be viable, and that a new approach must be adopted to prioritize safety and mitigate risks. In a fire scenario, transitioning to a defensive strategy often means that the fire has intensified or that the conditions have worsened, necessitating a swift and clear directive for all team members involved.

This urgent nature requires that personnel react quickly and adjust their actions accordingly. The use of clear and direct language in an urgent message helps ensure that everyone understands the new priorities, enhancing coordination and overall effectiveness in managing the situation.