What is the first step in reading smoke during an incident?

The first step in reading smoke during an incident is to determine the key attributes of smoke. This is fundamental because understanding the characteristics of smoke provides critical information about the fire’s behavior and potential spread. Key attributes include color, volume, density, and velocity of the smoke, all of which can indicate the fire's intensity, stage, and the materials involved. For instance, thick black smoke may suggest a structure fire with synthetic materials, while lighter gray smoke could indicate burning wood or other natural materials.

Recognizing these attributes allows firefighters to assess the situation more accurately, tailor their tactics accordingly, and make informed decisions regarding ventilation, evacuation, or suppression strategies. Without this initial assessment, other steps, such as determining the rate of change or predicting future fire behavior, would lack the necessary context provided by the smoke's characteristics. This initial analysis is crucial as it forms the basis for understanding the evolving dynamics of the fire scene.