Making a rapid and accurate incident size up would be one of the most challenging decision making processes faced by any profession. Fireground time frames are measured in seconds, and the review process in minutes. The stakes are high as making correct decisions can mean the difference between life and death.

Every fire sends out signals that can assist the firefighter in determining the stage of fire development, and most importantly the changes that are likely to occur. This skill is essential to ensure the safest and most efficient firefighting strategy and tactics are employed. Being able to "read a fire" is the mark of a firefighter who is able to make decisions based on knowledge and skill, not guess work or luck.

Shan Raffel, Fire Australia Journal, May 2002, page 11

This book focuses on giving firefighters the ability to recognise the key visual patterns of fire behaviour, and to use this knowledge to develop the safest and most efficient manner.