When managing a crisis like a forest fire, communication needs to be precise and professional.
Normally, you use the modal verb können to express ability ("can" or "to be able to"). However, in formal, official, or technical situations—such as an emergency command center—German speakers frequently use a nominal alternative to say that someone is "in a position to" do something.
Because in der Lage sein is a descriptive phrase rather than a modal verb, it cannot be followed by a bare infinitive. Instead, it acts as the main clause and pairs with an infinitive clause using zu (to).
The conjugated form of sein behaves normally in the main clause, while the zu + infinitive gets pushed to the very end of the sentence.
If the verb in the infinitive clause is separable, like anfordern (to request), the zu is sandwiched directly between the separable prefix and the verb stem to form one single word (anzufordern).
You can easily shift this expression into the past tense by simply conjugating sein into its past form (waren).
Whether you are assessing your team's capabilities, evaluating a threat, or reporting a loss of control, this phrase elevates your German to a highly professional register.