Fire conditions question for the NY brothers

[Tillerman17]

Will someone please explain the fire conditions terms of Doubtful, Doubtful will hold, Will hold, Probably will hold, etc and how you designate each term as it's related to ongoing fire conditions. When to use what designation and why.

Thanks, Stay safe..

[MattyJ]

Will someone please explain the fire conditions terms of Doubtful, Doubtful will hold, Will hold, Probably will hold, etc and how you designate each term as it's related to ongoing fire conditions. When to use what designation and why.

Thanks, Stay safe..

It is in regards to the need for additional companies on usually all-hands and greater.

Doubtful: (Same thing as Doubtful will hold) They may still need to call additional companies (extra Engine or Truck, or Second Alarm)

Probably Will Hold: Probably will not need to call additional companies

Will Hold: Will not need to call any additional companies


These are official terms (in the books) and are used at every job. It is the Chiefs decision (although the Aide often gives it himself when the Chief is busy...the Aide is also the one you hear on the radio giving the reports,not the Chief)

You can pretty much tell what they have at the job based on these reports. They wont be giving a probably will hold with fire not knocked down. They will often give a probably will hold if it is a minor fire.

The terms help the dispatchers plan for relocating companies, and are part of the progress reports given by the Chiefs aides.

[Tillerman17]

Thanks Mattyj.

[Murphy4329]

What’s the deal with the Chiefs Aide?? Is that something that is a special privilege to work, or is it more of a job that you do not want??

Also, how do you get assigned the task of Chiefs Aide??

[MattyJ]

What’s the deal with the Chiefs Aide?? Is that something that is a special privilege to work, or is it more of a job that you do not want??

Also, how do you get assigned the task of Chiefs Aide??

A little of everything. Some guys do it because they are told to, some do it as a favor to a specific chief, some do it because they're getting older and dont want to beat on their body anymore, some do it as a light duty assignment, some do it for a change of pace. Most guys are still assigned to their regular company and are detailed to the Battalian, or Division. Occasionally you'll see a guy assigned from their regular company to the Batt. or Division, but thats fairly rare. Bottom Line is most regular aides are there because they wanted to do it.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

What’s the deal with the Chiefs Aide?? Is that something that is a special privilege to work, or is it more of a job that you do not want??

Also, how do you get assigned the task of Chiefs Aide??

In larger departments, the role of Chief's Aide is an important and trusted trusted one. The Aide is the extra eyes and ears of the Chief on the fireground.