Role and responsibility

 An incident commander (IC) plays a crucial role in managing all aspects of

incident response during critical situations. Here are the key responsibilities and
duties of an IC:
1. Identify Objectives: The IC assesses the situation and identifies the objectives
for the incident response. These objectives guide the overall strategy to resolve
the incident effectively.
2. Develop a Command Plan: Based on the identified objectives, the IC devises
a command plan to address the problem. This plan outlines the necessary
actions, resource allocation, and coordination efforts.
3. Monitor and Adjust: The IC continuously monitors the situation and makes
adjustments as needed. Sometimes, the initial plan may not work (Plan A), so
ICs always have a backup plan (Plan B) to anticipate unexpected changes
during the investigation1.:
4. Command: The command team, led by the IC, sets objectives, determines
priorities, and develops a response plan. They ensure that all necessary
resources are available and deployed promptly.
5. Operations: The operations staff manages resources, coordinates personnel,
and aligns response efforts with objectives and priorities.
6. Planning: The planning team gathers and analyzes information about the
incident, determines resource needs, and develops strategies to achieve IC-set
objectives.
7. Logistics: The logistics team acquires and provides resources (such as
equipment, supplies, and facilities) for response operations.
8. Finance/Administration: This team manages the financial and administrative
aspects of the incident
 The Safety Officer plays a critical role in maintaining the safety of personnel and
ensuring safe operations during fire incidents. Here are the key responsibilities and
duties of a Safety Officer:
1. Monitoring and Advising:
 The Safety Officer monitors incident operations and advises the
Incident Commander (IC) or Unified Command on all matters related
to operational safety.
 They focus on the health and safety of incident personnel, ensuring
that risks are minimized and safety protocols are followed.
2. Identifying Hazardous Situations:
 The Safety Officer identifies incident-related hazardous situations.
This includes recognizing potential risks, such as structural
instability, hazardous materials, or unsafe practices.
3. Mitigating Risks and Hazards:
 They take actions to mitigate risks and hazards with the greatest
potential for serious accidents or injuries.
 If necessary, the Safety Officer has the emergency authority to stop
unsafe actions at any time.
4. Investigating Incidents:
 The Safety Officer investigates or coordinates the investigation of
accidents occurring within the incident area.
 They analyze incidents to identify contributing factors and
recommend preventive measures.
5. Safety Analyses and Reporting:
o The Safety Officer conducts safety analyses and prepares reports on all
incident facilities and locations.
o They communicate safety issues or concerns to incident personnel
during shift briefings.

6. Subject Matter Experts and Technical Specialists:

 When unique safety issues or hazards arise (e.g., confined spaces,
hazardous materials, infectious diseases), the Safety Officer
determines the need for subject matter experts or technical
specialists to advise or oversee safety measures.
 7. Assistant Safety Officers and Oversight:
 The Safety Officer assigns and oversees Assistant Safety Officers,
technical specialists, and subject matter experts as necessary.
 The Public Information Officer (PIO) plays a crucial role in keeping the media
and the public informed during fire incidents. Here are the key responsibilities and
duties of a PIO:
1. Gathering and Analyzing Information:
 The PIO collects relevant information about the incident, including
details about the fire, response efforts, and safety measures.
 They analyze this information to ensure accurate and timely updates.
2. Disseminating Information:
 The PIO proactively shares information with various stakeholders,
including the media, local communities, incident personnel, and other
agencies.
 They use effective communication channels to provide accurate updates
on the incident's status and progress.
3. Media Relations:
 PIOs interact with journalists, reporters, and news outlets. They provide
official statements, answer inquiries, and arrange interviews or briefings.
 They maintain positive relationships with the media to ensure accurate
reporting.
4. Incident Command Approval:
 Before releasing any news or updates, the PIO obtains approval from the
Incident Commander (IC).
 This ensures that the information aligns with the overall incident
strategy.
5. Crisis Communications Development:
 The PIO develops crisis communication plans and strategies. These
plans outline how information will be disseminated during emergencies.
 They consider the audience, message clarity, and appropriate channels
for communication.

6. Monitoring and Forwarding Information:

  The PIO monitors media coverage and forwards relevant information to
incident planning teams.
 This helps inform decision-making and resource allocation.
7. Maintaining Current Information:
 They keep incident summaries, displays, and other relevant information
up-to-date.
 Maintaining accurate records ensures consistency in communication.

 The Operations Section Chief plays a critical role in managing tactical incident
activities during fire incidents. Let's dive into their responsibilities:
 1. Overall Function:
 The Operations Section Chief oversees the implementation of the
Incident Action Plan (IAP) to achieve incident objectives.
 They manage tactical incident activities, ensuring effective coordination
and execution.
2. Composition and Ordering Specifications:
 The position can be ordered as a single resource or as part of a National
Incident Management System (NIMS) typed team (such as an
Incident Management Team).
 Prior to deployment, logistics details (working conditions, length of
deployment, security, lodging, transportation, meals) are discussed.
 Additional qualifications may be specified based on incident complexity
and needs.
3. Responsibilities:
 Establishes or transitions into the Operations Section.
 Configures the Operations Section with branches, divisions, groups, and
units to support the incident.
 Manages all operations and progress related to the incident.
 Makes tactical assignments documented in the IAP.
 Makes expedient changes to current operations based on incident
complexity or scope, reporting changes to the Incident Commander
(IC).
 Ensures the safety and welfare of Operations Section personnel.

 The Logistics Section Chief plays a crucial role in managing logistical support
during a fire incident. Here are the key responsibilities and duties of a Logistics
Section Chief:
 1. Overall Coordination: The Logistics Section Chief is a member of the
General Staff and is responsible for providing facilities, services, and material
in support of the incident. They participate in the development of the Incident
Action Plan (IAP) for disaster response and activate and supervise the
branches and units within the Logistics Section2.
2. Facilities: The Logistics Section Chief ensures that appropriate facilities are
available for incident personnel. This includes setting up temporary command
posts, staging areas, and other necessary locations.
3. Transportation: They coordinate transportation needs, including arranging for
vehicles to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies to and from the
incident site.
4. Communications: The Logistics Section Chief ensures that communication
systems are operational. This includes setting up radio communication
networks, establishing communication points, and maintaining reliable
communication channels.
5. Supplies: They manage the supply chain, ensuring that essential items (such as
food, water, medical supplies, and personal protective equipment) are available
for responders and affected individuals.
6. Equipment Maintenance and Fueling: The Logistics Section Chief oversees
equipment maintenance and fueling. This includes maintaining firefighting
equipment, vehicles, and generators to ensure they remain operational
throughout the incident.

 The Finance/Administration Section Chief plays a crucial role in managing

financial and administrative aspects during fire incidents. Let's delve into their
responsibilities:
1. Overall Function:
  The Finance/Administration Section Chief oversees staff responsible
for:
Recording personnel time.
Negotiating leases.
Maintaining vendor contracts.
Administering claims.
Tracking and analyzing incident costs.
2. Composition and Ordering Specifications:
 This position can be ordered as a single resource or as part of a National
Incident Management System (NIMS) typed team (such as an
Incident Management Team).
 Logistics details (working conditions, deployment length, security,
lodging, transportation, meals) are discussed before deployment.
 Additional qualifications may be specified based on incident complexity
and needs.
3. Responsibilities:
 Establishes or transitions into an existing Finance/Administration
Section.
 Supervises and configures the section with units to support the incident
as necessary.
 Manages financial, administrative, and cost analysis aspects of the
incident.
 Develops the Finance/Administration Section’s operating plan.
 Creates, maintains, and transfers section documentation.
 Maintains contact with agency administrative headquarters on finance
and administration matters.
 Coordinates with assisting and cooperating agency representatives on
finance-related issues.
 Advises the Incident Commander (IC) on financial and administrative
matters.