There is an important term that firemen use: “Under Control.”  Those two words carry huge meaning during an emergency incident and are not used lightly.  What they mean is that the incident, though not complete, is not likely to get worse or require additional resources.  

For neighboring communities, the term means that manpower that is standing by in their stations, ready to respond, will go home. The dispatch center will reallocate resources to other towns that may need help. The firefighters will slow down and catch their breath.  The “emergency” is over. The incident commander will check with his officers and crew so that something important is not missed and the correct information is given.  Once the “under control” is given, there is no easy way to turn back.

I would like nothing better than to tell you that I think COVID is “under control.” It isn’t.  This disease is more complicated than any incident we have ever been called to deal with.  However, I strongly feel that the incident commanders of this emergency are getting the proper resources to best places, and the flames of this inferno are starting to die down.  

This is the exciting time in an incident when the efforts you are making are showing strong signs of improvement.  We all must pitch in and continue to wear our PPE, practice reasonable distancing, and maintaining good hygiene. It is working.  

Please consider getting vaccinated.  This is the tool we will all need to finally put this devastating fire out.

Under control, no, not yet. But at the command post, they’re talking about it.