What is the sequence of actions to take at almost any incident responded to?

The correct sequence of actions—locate, confine, extinguish—reflects a logical and efficient approach to managing fire incidents.

First, locating the fire is crucial, as it allows responders to determine the source and extent of the fire, which informs all subsequent actions. Knowing where the fire is enables firefighters to make more informed decisions about how to attack it.

Next, confining the fire refers to the act of preventing it from spreading to other areas. This can involve creating barriers, such as closing doors and windows, or using fire suppression systems like sprinklers. Effective confinement is essential for controlling the situation and minimizing damage, both to property and to resources needed for firefighting.

Finally, extinguishing the fire is the critical action that ultimately resolves the incident. This involves applying the appropriate extinguishing agents and methods based on the type of fire, the building structure, and any potential hazards.

This sequence is deeply rooted in fire ground strategy and can be applied to a variety of incident types, making it a fundamental approach in fire service operations.