What must the first arriving ARFF unit do upon arrival?

• A. Establish command, perform size-up, and describe the plan of action.
• B. Extinguish fires and secure the area.
• C. Evacuate occupants and contact authorities.
• D. Monitor weather and air quality.

Answer: (A)

The first arriving ARFF unit must establish command, perform size-up, and describe the plan of action. Establishing command creates a single, accountable point of coordination so everyone knows who is directing the incident. Quick size-up gathers critical details about the scene: the aircraft position, fires, fuel or hazardous material leaks, number and location of occupants, access routes for rescue and suppression, runway or taxiway status, environmental conditions like wind direction, and any immediate hazards to responders. Using that information, the unit articulates and communicates an initial plan of action to incoming units and to airfield control. This sets priorities (life safety, incident stabilization, and containment) and guides resource deployment, enabling a coordinated, effective response from the outset. Extinguishing fires and securing the area, evacuating occupants, or monitoring weather and air quality are important tasks, but they follow from establishing command and the initial plan of action rather than being the immediate first step.