What is always the first priority at any fire incident?

The first priority at any fire incident is always rescue. The fundamental goal in firefighting is to save lives, which includes both civilians affected by the fire and any individuals who may be trapped or in danger. As firefighters arrive on the scene, their initial focus centers on assessing the situation for potential victims and executing rescue operations as quickly as possible.

Rescue operations take precedence because time is often critical in life-threatening situations. Fire behavior can change rapidly, and any delay in conducting rescues can lead to tragic outcomes for those trapped. While protecting property, suppressing the fire, and ensuring the safety of the crew are all important aspects of incident management, they typically follow the imperative of saving lives. Firefighters must balance their actions in a way that while protecting the crew is crucial, it cannot come at the expense of a person's life when they have the capability to effect a rescue.

Thus, the emphasis on rescue establishes a clear priority in emergency response and outlines the fundamental duty of firefighters to protect human life above all else.