Ohio Volunteer Firefighter Practice Exam

Which factor is NOT considered when determining the size-up of an incident?

1. Time of day

2. Weather conditions

3. Building maintenance history

4. Distance from water supply

The correct answer is: Building maintenance history

In the context of incident size-up, determining the critical factors that influence how an incident is managed is essential for effective decision-making. Factors such as time of day, weather conditions, and distance from water supply directly impact operational strategy, resource allocation, and the safety of both firefighters and civilians. The building maintenance history, while it can provide valuable insights, is not typically prioritized during the initial size-up phase. Size-up is primarily focused on immediate conditions and situational awareness, such as assessing the environment and potential hazards at the scene rather than historical data about the building’s upkeep. Maintaining focus on the immediate risk factors allows firefighters to take swift and effective action without being bogged down by past maintenance records that may not be relevant to the current incident's dynamics.