Refers to the severity of a fire where the progression is in the early stage and has not developed beyond that which can be extinguished using portable fire extinguishers or handlines flowing up to 473 L/min (125 gpm). A fire is considered to be beyond the incipient stage when the use of thermal protective clothing or self-contained breathing apparatus is required or an industrial fire brigade member is required to crawl on the ground or floor to stay below smoke and heat.