What is the term used when fire fighters take action independently, disregarding SOPs and the command structure?

The term "freelancing" specifically refers to actions taken by firefighters that are independent of established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the incident command structure. When firefighters engage in freelancing, they may act based on their personal judgment or instincts rather than following the coordinated efforts of the team. This can lead to disorganization at the incident scene, increase risks, and potentially compromise safety for both firefighters and civilians, which highlights the importance of adhering to SOPs for effective and safe emergency response.

In contrast, size-up involves assessing the situation to determine the strategy and tactics needed for effective fire suppression. Overhaul refers to the process of checking for hidden fire after the main fire has been extinguished, ensuring that all potential hot spots are dealt with to prevent rekindling. Backfiring is a technique used intentionally to remove fuel from the path of a fire by setting a controlled fire ahead of the main fire to prevent its spread. Each of these terms plays a distinct role in firefighting, reinforcing why freelancing is considered an inappropriate approach in emergency response.