Owning the First Five Minutes
Richard Ray
Saturday, June 13, 2026
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
The first five minutes on the fireground often define the outcome of the entire incident. In this classroom presentation, attendees will learn how to take control of the fireground early, make confident tactical decisions, and lead effectively—no matter the staffing level. This session gives firefighters and company officers a proven framework for making decisions, executing priority tactics, and leading under pressure—especially when you’re first due with limited staffing. Whether you are a career, volunteer, or combination, this class brings practical tools you can use the very next shift. This class blends street-smart tactics with solid fundamentals to prepare crews to dominate the first five minutes—and set the incident up for success. The fireground doesn’t wait for the perfect crew or the ideal arrival order.
Richard Ray
Richard Ray is a 33-year fire service veteran, a firefighter with the Creedmoor (NC) Volunteer Fire Department, and a battalion chief with the Durham (NC) Fire Department. He instructs on a national level, contributes to Fire Engineering Magazine, and is a member of the FDIC International Advisory Board & Tech Panels for FSRI.
