What is the accepted optimum span of control in fire operations?

The accepted optimum span of control in fire operations is typically considered to be 3-5. This range allows for effective supervision and communication among all team members during incidents, which is crucial in high-stress environments like firefighting.

When the span of control is too narrow (less than 3), it can lead to unnecessary bureaucracy and may not utilize available resources efficiently. Conversely, if the span of control is too wide (more than 5), the ability of a supervisor to effectively manage their team diminishes, which can lead to poor coordination and increased risk on the incident scene.

This balance within the 3-5 range ensures that each supervisor can provide adequate guidance and support, facilitating swift decision-making while maintaining a clear structure within the incident command system.