Wildland Size-Up Checklist & Sizeup Report Guide | IRPG LCES & Watchouts
Wildland incidents move fast, and conditions can change without warning. A clear, structured size-up is critical for communicating conditions, identifying hazards, and making sound decisions on the fireline.
This guide breaks down the wildland size-up process based on NWCG / IRPG principles, providing a simple framework for evaluating incident conditions and delivering an effective initial report.
This guide follows the same sizeup structure used in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG).
WHAT IS A WILDLAND SIZE-UP?
A wildland size-up is the process of gathering and communicating critical information about an incident. It begins upon arrival and continues as conditions evolve.
A strong size-up helps ensure:
Clear communication across crews and divisions
Accurate assessment of fire behavior and environment
Early identification of hazards and risks
Effective resource ordering and coordination
WILDLAND SIZE-UP CHECKLIST
This structure reflects the same framework used in the IRPG Sizeup Report.
INCIDENT
Incident Type
Location / Jurisdiction
Incident Size
Incident Status
Establish IC
Incident Name
FIRE ENVIRONMENT
Weather Conditions
Wind
Slope / Aspect
Fuel Type
Fire Behavior
ACCESS & COMMUNICATION
Radio Frequencies
Best Access Routes
VALUES & RISK
Assets / Values at Risk
Special Hazards / Concerns
RESOURCES
Additional Resource Needs
INITIAL RADIO REPORT
When delivering your size-up over the radio, the goal is clarity and structure.
A typical initial report should include:
Incident Type
Location
Size
Status
Fire Behavior
Values at Risk
Hazards
Actions Taken
Resources Needed
Establishment of Command
Prefer a field-ready reference for this process?
LCES — CRITICAL SAFETY CHECK
LCES must be established and maintained at all times:
Lookouts
Communications
Escape Routes
Safety Zones
Failure in any one of these areas significantly increases risk on the fireline.
WATCHOUT SITUATIONS
The 18 Watch Out Situations highlight conditions that increase the likelihood of entrapment or injury.
Common examples include:
Fire not scouted and sized up
In country not seen in daylight
Escape routes and safety zones not identified
Unfamiliar with weather and local factors
No communication link with crew or supervisor
Unburned fuel between you and the fire
Weather becoming hotter and drier
Wind increasing and/or changing direction
RELATED FIRELINE REFERENCE TOOLS
Wildland Sizeup Report Tag
A durable, field-ready reference designed to support structured size-up and clear communication under real-world conditions.
View the Wildland Sizeup Report Tag
10 & 18 Fireline Reference Tag
Reinforces the 10 Standard Fire Orders and 18 Watch Out Situations in a compact, durable format for quick reference on the fireline.
View the 10 & 18 Fireline Reference Tag
BUILT TO REINFORCE TRAINING
These tools are not a replacement for training—they reinforce it.
Under stress, fatigue, and time pressure, even experienced firefighters can miss critical details. A simple, consistent reference helps ensure key information is captured and communicated effectively.