Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is the role of an incident commander?
All incidents, regardless of size or complexity, require an incident commander (IC). They must set incident objectives and then determine the strategies, resources, and the ICS organization structure needed to achieve the objectives.
What is the command staff?
The incident commander needs assistance for some incidents. They can form a command staff, which can consist of a safety officer, public information officer, and a liaison officer.
What are section chiefs?
Depending on the needs of the incident, the IC can add an operations section chief, planning section chief, logistics section chief, and finance/administration section chief to handle specific aspects of commanding the incident.
What is an incident action plan?
Every incident needs an incident action plan to ensure resources are used effectively and everyone works safely together. The plan includes priorities, strategic goals, tactical objectives, and resources requirements.
What is delegation of authority?
When an incident is outside the incident commander's jurisdiction, when the scope is complex or beyond existing authorities, or when required by law, an agency administrator or elected official must expand the commander's authority to carry out specific functions.