What are Ten Minute Benchmarks?

• A. Scheduled evaluations to assess the situation and personnel status every ten minutes.
• B. A ten-minute rest period for the crew.
• C. The time allotted for fuel and water resupply.
• D. An inspection interval for vehicle checks.

Answer: (A)

Ten Minute Benchmarks are a regular ten-minute check-in cadence on the incident, used to keep a clear, up-to-date picture of what’s happening and who is where. At each benchmark, the incident commander and involved crews review the evolving scene, track progress toward objectives, and confirm the status and location of all personnel, including how much air they have left and any new hazards. This supports accountability, safety, and timely tactical decisions—like whether to rotate teams, call for additional resources, or shift strategies.

It isn’t a rest period for the crew, nor a specific time set aside for fuel or water resupply, and it isn’t simply a vehicle inspection interval. Those tasks are separate, whereas Ten Minute Benchmarks are about maintaining a continuous, shared understanding of scene conditions and personnel status every ten minutes.