How is a working structure fire defined?

A working structure fire is defined as a fire that is actively burning and requires immediate efforts from firefighting personnel. This designation indicates that the fire presents an immediate threat to life and property, necessitating a prompt and coordinated response to control and extinguish the flames.

Recognizing a fire as a "working structure fire" usually prompts a full-scale response from the fire department, often mobilizing additional resources, and initiating standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of occupants and firefighters. This assessment is critical for evaluating the situation on the ground and determining the appropriate tactics to combat the fire effectively.

While a controlled fire may suggest that firefighting efforts have been effective, it does not convey the urgency of a working fire that still poses risks. Similarly, a fire that has been extinguished or is in the incipient stage does not require the active intervention associated with a working fire. Therefore, the focus on active burning and the immediate need for firefighting action encapsulates the essential characteristics of a working structure fire.