What is a tactical message in fire service communications?

A tactical message in fire service communications is crucial for the effective management of an incident. It refers specifically to the detailed instructions that are given to units operating at the scene of an emergency. These messages guide firefighters and other emergency personnel on tasks that need to be carried out, such as where to position apparatus, how to approach the incident, which entry routes to take, or specific technical procedures to follow.

This type of communication is essential for ensuring that all responding units understand their roles and can operate safely and efficiently. The specificity of these instructions is what sets tactical messages apart from other types of communications—such as a summary report of the incident, which provides an overview rather than detailed instructions, or a general alert that might not include actionable items for specific units. Similarly, social media updates serve a different purpose, primarily aimed at keeping the public informed rather than directing unit operations on the ground.