How many hours of control must an incident be in for it to be documented as “continuing operations”?

For an incident to be documented as "continuing operations," it must be in control for a duration of 8 hours. This standard likely reflects the typical length of time needed to ensure that operations can effectively transition from initial response to a stabilized state where ongoing management and resources can be effectively organized.

In practical terms, this time frame allows for the assessment of the situation, planning for further actions, and the allocation of resources necessary for effective incident stabilization. Recognizing incidents that are in continuing operations helps ensure thorough documentation and resource management, which is crucial for fire prevention and response strategies.

The specified duration emphasizes the importance of detailed record-keeping and operational evaluations during extended incidents in order to maintain safety and effectiveness in fire service operations.