If there is no officer on the first arriving unit, who is responsible for establishing command?

The responsibility of establishing command when there is no officer on the first arriving unit falls to the firefighter with the greatest seniority. In the absence of a designated officer, the seniority system ensures that there is a clear line of authority and responsibility established quickly, which is crucial in emergency situations. This senior firefighter is typically the one with the most experience and training, and their leadership can facilitate a more organized and efficient response to the incident.

Choosing a firefighter by seniority helps maintain order and leverages the person with the most experience in decision-making processes essential for managing the incident effectively. It emphasizes the importance of structure and hierarchy, which are fundamental in the firefighting profession for safety and operational effectiveness.