What characterizes a Type 5 incident?

A Type 5 incident is characterized as a small incident that typically can be resolved within a few hours using onsite resources. These types of incidents are generally of low complexity and require limited resources, allowing first responders to effectively manage the situation without extensive coordination with outside agencies or additional support. Type 5 incidents include situations that can be handled by local personnel with minimal to moderate resources, making them manageable without escalation.

In contrast to larger and more complex incident types, a Type 5 incident does not extend beyond local control, and the response can be efficiently executed by first responders at the scene. It is an important classification, as it allows for appropriate resource allocation and ensures that larger incidents do not overwhelm local firefighting capabilities by diverting attention to minor situations that can be quickly dealt with.