When evaluating fire load, what must the IC consider?

When evaluating fire load, the incident commander must consider the size and nature of the materials involved because these factors directly impact the intensity and behavior of the fire. Fire load refers to the total amount of combustible materials present in a given area, and both the size and nature of these materials—be it wood, fabric, plastics, or hazardous materials—determine how much energy will be released during combustion. Understanding these aspects helps in predicting fire spread, potential structural compromise, and the necessary firefighting tactics to protect life and property.

The other options, while potentially relevant in broader fire response contexts, do not address the critical elements that define fire load specifically. The color of smoke might indicate the types of materials burning but does not quantify the fire load. The number of firefighters on scene is related to response capacity and safety but does not influence the fire load itself. The age of the building might imply certain structural vulnerabilities but does not affect the amount of combustible material present in terms of fire load calculations.