I was recently approached by a fellow firefighter with the question of, should firefighters mask up while enroute to calls where we know an SCBA is required upon entry.

My first and initial knee jerk reaction was "NO!", then followed up with, "well why are you asking that and who thinks that should be a standard practice?" This follow up was after I realized I was reacting instead of obtaining information from the question to gather a better understanding of why it was asked and to formulate a proper response.

After this kitchen table chat, I decided to document everything I responded with as to why it is NOT a good idea to mask up while on the rig to any call.

It Creates a False Sense of Readiness

There are some firefighters believe that donning the facepiece en route saves valuable time. In reality, being truly prepared for the incident involves much more than having a mask on. Size-up, tactical decision-making, crew assignments, and situational awareness are often more critical in the first moments of arrival.

Reduced Communication

Clear communication inside the cab is essential. Officers are providing updates, reviewing assignments, discussing water supply, building construction, and expected tactics. A facepiece can muffle voices and make communication more difficult, increasing the chance of missed information.

Limits Situational Awareness

Firefighters should be looking outside the apparatus, identifying conditions, smoke volume, building layout, access points, occupancy type, and potential hazards. Focusing on donning equipment can distract members from gathering valuable information before arrival.

Potential Safety Hazard During Travel

Leaning forward, adjusting straps, connecting regulators, and manipulating equipment while the apparatus is moving can create unnecessary risk. Members should remain seated and properly belted whenever possible.

Not Every Call Requires Immediate Air

The first-arriving company may encounter a variety of situations:

• Alarm activations

• Burned food investigations

• Odor investigations

• Exterior fires

• Carbon monoxide incidents

• Investigation calls

Masking up before understanding the actual conditions can lead to tunnel vision and unnecessary actions.

Delays Adaptability

One of the most important firefighter attributes is adaptability. Conditions can change rapidly upon arrival. Crews need the flexibility to adjust tactics based on what they actually encounter rather than what they expected while responding.

Equipment Damage and Maintenance Concerns

Repeatedly donning and doffing facepieces in the cab can increase wear on straps, regulators, and communication equipment. While not the primary concern, it contributes to unnecessary equipment stress over time.

Focus Should Be on the Size-Up

The ride to the incident is valuable preparation time. Firefighters should be:

• Reviewing assignments

• Listening to radio traffic

• Looking for smoke conditions

• Identifying hydrants

• Discussing tactical options

• Mentally preparing for the incident

These actions often provide greater operational benefit than simply arriving with a facepiece already on.

The Better Approach

Arrive ready, seat-belted, alert, and focused. Use the response time to gather information, formulate a plan, and prepare mentally. Once conditions warrant, don SCBA efficiently and deliberately as part of a coordinated tactical operation.

As firefighters often say: “Don’t arrive geared for the fire you think you have. Arrive prepared for the fire you actually have.”

Speed matters, but speed without awareness can become a liability. The ride to the call is not dead time but rather it is your first opportunity to perform a size-up, develop situational awareness, and prepare to make sound decisions on the fireground. The most effective firefighters don’t just arrive fast, they arrive informed.

Until next time, work hard, stay safe & live inspired.