Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics, 5th Ed Quotes

“A good set of SOPs (standard operating procedures) or SOGs (standard operating guidelines) should handle the majority of incidents in which a unit is involved. When faced with a nonstandard situation, however, you must be flexible enough to adapt and develop a proper solution. Don’t try to force an SOP to handle a situation for which it wasn’t designed. Doing so creates problems. This is what leads companies to stretch 1¾-in. line when first-due at a fully involved lumberyard because “that’s what we always do.” Fire officers need to be able to think though problems and anticipate the likely as well as the “worst case” outcomes before committing to a course of action. A sound understanding of fire dynamics allows for better decision making. If an action is needed, go ahead and do it. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Remember: SOPs and SOGs only work on “standard” fires.”
― John Norman, Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics, 5th Ed