What is considered the rule of thumb for an effective span of control in fire departments?

An effective span of control in fire departments is generally considered to be between 3 to 7 personnel. This range allows a supervisor to effectively manage and support their team members while ensuring clear communication and oversight. When the span of control falls within this range, it typically results in improved operational efficiency, better decision-making, and the ability to maintain safety standards during incident response.

If the span of control is too narrow (like in the first option), the supervisor may not fully utilize available resources, leading to inefficiencies. On the other hand, a span of control that is too broad (like in the last two options) can overwhelm a supervisor, making it difficult to manage personnel effectively and potentially compromising the safety and effectiveness of operations.

Thus, the recommended range balances operational effectiveness, supervisory capacity, and the safety of team members, making 3 to 7 personnel the best practice in fire department settings.