What should be considered crucial when developing a traffic management plan at an incident scene?

When developing a traffic management plan at an incident scene, considering access routes and barriers is crucial because it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of operations. Properly identifying and managing access routes ensures that emergency vehicles can respond swiftly to the scene and that personnel can operate without hindrances.

Additionally, establishing barriers is essential to control the movement of both emergency responders and the general public, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring that the scene remains secure. Proper traffic management minimizes congestion and maximizes safety for everyone involved, including those in the vicinity of the incident.

While other factors like the number of personnel present, current weather conditions, and the status of the fire are important, they primarily affect operational safety or effectiveness rather than traffic control specifically. Access routes and barriers are foundational elements that enable the other aspects to be managed more effectively during an incident response.