1.5 Incident Commander

Purpose

The Incident Commander (IC) provides comprehensive leadership and management to the response effort. The position is the focal point of all facets of the operation consistent with the Incident Management System.

Responsibilities

The IC is ultimately responsible for all incident response activities including development and implementation of an Incident Action Plan (IAP) plan to stabilize the incident, make decisions and issue orders for efficient and effective utilization of resources. The IC must process information and cues obtained through radio transmissions, face to face reports, and observations from a variety of sources and relay and receive same from Section Chiefs and Command Staff operating within their span of control. It is recognized that the IC may not have knowledge of unique or specialized operations (i.e. confined space, hazmat, etc.) and thus may utilize group or division leaders who are technical specialists to aid in command and control of the incident. It is therefore imperative that their role be confined to managing the alarm and resources required.

Activation

Any situation requiring four or more units where, in the judgment of the on-scene ranking officer, the Incident Management System (IMS) should be implemented for concerns of safety for personnel, management of resources, and scene control.

Location: On Scene at Command Post

Recommended Staffing: First arriving Fire Department officer until relieved by higher authority

Reports To: Final Authority

Procedure

• Arrive on the scene and establish or assume command; obtain incident briefing previous IC.
• If not previously established, identify command name (“4th Avenue Command”), report command post location and establish A (Alpha) side.
• Assess the incident situation and conduct an initial strategy briefing with the current operation command personnel.
• Activate the elements of the IMS appropriate for management of the incident.
• Brief Command Staff and primary Section Chiefs.
• Participate in the preparation and authorize the implementation of an (the) Incident Action Plan (IAP).
• Determine conditions and needs to make informed command decisions and transmit incident objectives to command staff.
• Coordinate primary IC Staff activities.
• Manage overall incident operations and resource utilization.
• Approve requests for and utilization of additional resources.
• Authorize release of information to the media.
• Ensure the incident status form (worksheet) or command board is utilized and completed. Ensure that proper forms are available and utilized by section and group leaders.
• Obtain briefings from Section Chiefs, Command Staff, and agency representatives on incident management issues and/or concerns.
• Obtain information on environmental issues and/or concerns.
• Review the progress of the incident and direct organizational efforts towards higher priority tasks.
• Ensure that safety procedures are utilized and followed by all personnel.
• Approve plan for demobilization of resources and return to normal operating status.
• Prepare a final incident summary for media briefing, reports, etc.

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