There is little to dispute the importance of a fixed command post. A command post established in an effective location minimizes the possibility of distraction, improves the quality of the command function and makes command more accessible to the resources assigned to the incident. There is, however, a situation where the use of “command on the go” may be an applicable and effective strategic decision. If such a decision is being contemplated, however, it is important that it be made with full understanding of both the pros and cons associated with non-fixed command. Further, there are a number of specific considerations that must be taken into account to support such a decision.

The only command mode where “command on the go,” “mobile command” or other such iterations of a non-fixed command function should be used is the investigative mode. Sometimes called the “nothing showing” mode, this mode can be appropriate when the extent or perhaps even existence of an emergency is in question. Operating in investigative mode, though, is subject to agency policy as well as all of the same safety concerns and constraints of other command modes. It should never be assumed that nothing showing is a confirmation of incident conditions unless they're confirmed.

Failure to treat every situation as a potential hazard can expose responders to unacceptable risk as well as reinforce improper decisions and actions. The Regis Tower fire in Memphis, Tenn., in 1994 is classic example of this type of situation. In this case, firefighters had responded to 29 alarms at the location over the six months prior to the incident. The lack of visible signs of an emergency on the 30th call was one of the factors that lured firefighters into a situation that eventually cost two of them their lives. (For a video account of the Regis Tower fire, go to www.firemuseum.com.)

If the decision is made that a responder needs to enter a structure or other area in close proximity to a potential emergency, all of the safety precautions that would be required if there were an obvious emergency should be taken. In short, never go looking for something you aren't prepared to find. In the case of an “odor of smoke” or “alarm activation,” especially in a structure below the third floor, all who enter the building should be equipped with:

• Personal protective clothing,
• Self-contained breathing apparatus,
• Some form of continuous communication,
• A portable fire extinguisher, and
• A partner similarly equipped.

If the investigation is to be conducted on the fourth floor or above, units should be equipped as previously described, except for portable extinguishers, plus:

• Two additional crewmembers for a total of four,
• A minimum of 200 feet of hose with a combination nozzle, and
• A forcible entry tool.

If these resources aren't available, entry into the hazard zone should not be considered. If any of these resources fail at any point, or a hazard is identified that exceeds the team's ability to mitigate, the team should be immediately withdrawn and command mode established.

For example, assume a company officer and a firefighter enter a residential structure to locate the source of a fire alarm and they experience radio failure. They should immediately withdraw from the residence until they can resolve the communications issue. The source of the alarm might be a burning pot on the stove, but it could just as easily be a hidden fire that has weakened the floor system in the kitchen. The latter could become a disaster for the out-of-communication investigators.

The reality is that no formal command need be established in an investigative mode. The formal establishment of command is necessary in cases when there could be a question about who's in charge of an incident. If only one unit is on scene, there should be little doubt as to who's calling the shots. Simply put, the person who rides to the event in the front right (or left for those who drive on that side of the road) is in charge automatically until someone of higher authority arrives and assumes command or until command is transferred to a person qualified to fill the role.

The bottom line is that mobile command is not the most effective position for an incident commander. The investigative mode may be called “mobile command,” but it's not necessarily a “command” function at all, merely an extension of the company officer or unit leader’s rightful position of leadership in the unit or company. Too often mobile command is merely an excuse for command officers to take a tactical or task-level position at an incident when they should be in a strategic one.

Command is always strategic and is only exercised at a tactical or task-level when resources are limited and lives are at stake. To function strategically requires a strategic position that may need to be close to the possible incident. In any case, it needs to be attempted while keeping the safety of those doing the investigating as the highest of priorities.