ICS Principles
What does ICS stand for?
Incident Command System.
What is “unity of command”?
Each individual reports to only one supervisor.
What is the resource typing system used for?
To categorize resources by capability.
What is the Incident Command Post (ICP)?
The location from which the Incident Commander oversees operations.
What is the role of the Safety Officer?
Monitor incident operations and advise on safety hazards.
What NIMS component does ICS fall under?
Command and Management.
Who has overall responsibility for managing the incident?
The Incident Commander.
Name 2 types of resources in ICS.
Tactical (personnel/equipment)
Support (facilities/services).
What is the difference between a Base and a Camp?
Base = primary service/support location;
Camp = temporary support sites closer to operations.
What is the PIO responsible for?
Providing information to the public, media, and other agencies.
What is the main purpose of ICS?
To provide a standardized approach to incident management.
What’s the difference between Command Staff and General Staff?
Command Staff = advisors (PIO, Safety, Liaison). General Staff = Section Chiefs (Ops, Plans, Logistics, Finance/Admin).
What is a Strike Team?
A set number of resources of the same kind and type, with a leader.
What facility is used for staging resources awaiting assignment?
Staging Area.
What leadership quality is critical for maintaining accountability?
Clear communication.
What’s the difference between ICS and NIMS?
ICS is a system within NIMS; NIMS is the broader framework.
What is “span of control”?
The number of resources/individuals one supervisor can effectively manage (3–7, optimal 5).
What is a Task Force?
A combination of mixed resources assembled for a specific mission.
What is a Helibase vs. Helispot?
Helibase = main helicopter support;
Helispot = temporary landing/takeoff site.
What tool does ICS use for documenting incident actions?
Incident Action Plan (IAP).
Name 3 benefits of ICS.
Clear chain of command, common terminology, effective resource management.
What is the role of a Deputy in ICS?
Assists and can assume the role of their supervisor if needed.
What does the Resource Unit in Planning Section do?
Tracks the status of all resources assigned to the incident.
Where would you find Finance/Admin operations?
At the Incident Base or ICP.
What is a Unified Command?
Multiple agencies share responsibility for an incident, working together under one IAP.