Who is responsible for starting the fire in a live-fire exercise?

In a live-fire exercise, the responsibility for starting the fire typically falls to a member of the fire control team. This is because the fire control team is specifically tasked with managing the burn operations during the exercise, which includes safely igniting and monitoring the fire to ensure it is conducted according to the training objectives and safety protocols.

Members of the fire control team are trained to handle fire behaviors and understand the dynamics involved in a controlled environment, allowing them to initiate the fire in a manner that supports learning outcomes while maintaining safety for all participants. Their role is critical as they coordinate with other personnel, ensuring everyone is aware of the fire situation and can take appropriate actions as needed.

Other personnel, such as the Incident Information Coordinator (IIC), Training Officer (TO), or Safety Officer (SO), have different responsibilities in relation to the exercise. The IIC manages information flow and communication, the TO oversees the training aspect to ensure it meets educational objectives, and the SO focuses on overall safety measures. Each plays a crucial role in the success and safety of the exercise, but it is the fire control team that specifically initiates the fire.