In the interior firefighting sequence, what comes immediately after size-up?

• A. Access/egress and ventilation
• B. Primary life safety
• C. Salvage/overhaul
• D. Fire attack

Answer: (B)

In interior firefighting, saving lives takes the highest priority. Immediately after size-up, the focus is on primary life safety—confirming the status and location of occupants, initiating a rapid interior search if it's safe to do so, and ensuring a viable entry and exit path for responders. This step sets the critical direction for everything that follows, because you must know whether anyone is at risk and whether you can reach them before tackling the fire or other tasks.

Access/egress and ventilation are important tools, but they support life safety and fire control rather than being the immediate next action after size-up. Salvage/overhaul and fire attack come after life safety considerations are addressed and the incident is being controlled.