For structure fires, when does the 10 minute increment timer begin?

• A. Upon dispatch of the incident
• B. Upon arrival at scene
• C. When command is issued
• D. When the incident is cleared

Answer: (A)

The 10-minute increment timer is designed to start as soon as the incident is dispatched. Beginning the timer at dispatch creates a standardized clock for progress checks and safety reviews from the very start of the response, while units are en route and the incident is being activated. This timing ensures critical tasks—like initial size-up, risk assessment, and establishing incident objectives—are planned and reviewed within each ten-minute block, regardless of how long it takes for units to arrive on scene. If the timer started later, such as on arrival or when command is issued, the clock would lose synchronization with the actual progression of the incident and accountability would be harder to maintain. Starting at dispatch keeps the process consistent and focused on proactive management from alarm to action, up until the incident is resolved.