What is the primary indicator of a fire attack's success?

The primary indicator of a fire attack's success is the reduction of smoke and heat. When firefighters effectively engage a fire, one of the most significant outcomes is a decrease in the smoke and heat levels within the environment. This reduction typically indicates that the fire is being controlled and that the conditions for both the safety of the occupants and the responders are improving.

While the arrival of additional responders is important for managing larger incidents, it does not directly measure the effectiveness of the fire attack itself. The visibility of the fire might provide some insight into the situation, but it does not necessarily reflect whether the fire is contained or under control. An increase in fire volume is a sign that the fire is growing and indicates that the attack is failing rather than succeeding. Thus, focusing on the reduction of smoke and heat helps gauge the operation's effectiveness and overall progress in extinguishing the fire and protecting life and property.