What is the primary responsibility of CFD members during a small fire incident?

The primary responsibility of Chicago Fire Department members during a small fire incident is to extinguish the fire as quickly as possible. This objective is crucial in preventing the fire from spreading and causing further damage or endangering lives. Quick action helps to mitigate risks to civilians, property, and the surrounding area. The effectiveness of fire suppression operations is paramount, especially in small incidents, as they can escalate rapidly if not addressed immediately.

While evacuating civilians is important in larger incidents to ensure safety, during a small fire where threats can be quickly managed, the focus is on controlling and extinguishing the fire. Traffic control may be necessary, but it is secondary to firefighting efforts. Assessing damage typically occurs after the fire has been extinguished and is not the primary concern during the incident itself. Thus, the emphasis is placed on the active suppression of the fire to protect life and property effectively.