Will identifying Fireground Hazards always change the overall incident strategy or IAP?

Identifying fireground hazards is a critical step in the incident commander’s (IC) responsibilities, and while it significantly impacts strategic decision-making, it does not automatically necessitate a change in the overall incident strategy or incident action plan (IAP). The primary focus of the IC is to ensure the safety of personnel and effectiveness of operations. If hazards are identified, the IC must address these risks, which may involve implementing specific safety measures, adjusting operational tactics, or communicating risks to personnel, without necessarily overhauling the entire strategy. The existing strategy might still be sound, but it requires modification on a tactical level to ensure safety while still achieving the incident objectives.

The other choices suggest absolute conditions rather than the necessity of flexibility in incident management. For instance, asserting that a strategy change will always be required overlooks situations where hazards can be effectively mitigated without altering the overarching plan.