What signifies that a firefighting operation is complete?

The statement that firefighting operations are complete when “we say it is” reflects the reality that the conclusion of an operation is primarily determined by the professional judgment of the incident commander or designated authority. This individual assesses various factors, including the status of the fire, safety of personnel, and the effectiveness of operations, to reach a decision.

While certain indicators like cooling the fire, cleaning up resources, or passing inspections can contribute to the decision-making process, they do not singularly establish the operation's conclusion. Ultimately, the decision to declare an operation complete is based on comprehensive situational assessments, priorities, and standard operating procedures, ensuring that everything necessary has been accomplished and that safety protocols are adhered to before leaving the scene.