NCJ Number
185446
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 69 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2000 Pages: 10-15
Date Published
October 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the composition and functions of a California consortium of local, State, and Federal fire agencies, which has designed a system to facilitate the smooth interface of multiple agencies to respond effectively to sudden, overwhelming fire threats.
Abstract
The primary mission of the consortium has been to develop the Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS divides organizational responsibilities into five functions: command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration, with each section subdivided to address various specific tasks. Under the unified command concept, each organization that has legal jurisdiction over a significant portion of an incident can participate in the command structure. ICS provides a separate interface for assisting or mutual-aid agencies that have no legal responsibility. The unified command is implemented by locating the leaders of the involved agencies at a single incident command post, where they discuss objectives, select strategies, plan operations, and make the most efficient use of available resources. Communication among different agencies is facilitated by providing common definitions of organizational functions, resources, and facilities. This article includes sections that discuss consolidated action plans, comprehensive resource management, integrated communications, predesignated incident facilities, and interfacing with nonusers. The increasing use of ICS is noted. 13 notes