Who is responsible for the strategic direction of incident response in ICS?

The Incident Commander is responsible for the strategic direction of incident response within the Incident Command System (ICS). This role encompasses overall incident management, ensuring that all aspects of the response are coordinated effectively. The Incident Commander sets the objectives and priorities for the incident, determines resource needs, and establishes the incident command structure for effective communication and activity alignment among various teams.

This individual makes critical decisions regarding the deployment of resources, safety measures, and operational strategies, ensuring that the incident response aligns with both the goals of the response and the safety of all personnel involved. Recognizing the importance of leadership and decision-making in dynamic and often complex emergency situations, the Incident Commander plays a pivotal role in managing the incident effectively from start to finish.