Incident objectives that drive incident operations are established by the

  Incident objectives that drive incident operations are established by the

Incident objectives that drive incident operations are established by the:

 A. Planning Section Chief  B. Operations Section Chief  

C. Incident Commander or Unified Command  D. Agency Administrator

Verified answer :  C. Incident Commander or Unified Command

 Incident objectives that drive incident operations are established by the: Incident Commander or Unified Command.

Explanation: Incident objectives that drive incident operations are established by the: Incident Commander or Unified Command.

The incident objectives that drive incident operations are established by the Incident Commander or the Unified Command, depending on the specific incident management structure in place.

1. Incident Commander (IC): In smaller incidents or those with a single jurisdiction or agency in charge, the IC is responsible for establishing the incident objectives. The IC is typically the first on-scene and holds overall authority and responsibility for managing the incident. They assess the situation, gather information, and determine the appropriate objectives based on the incident's nature, scope, and potential impact.

2. Unified Command (UC): In larger and more complex incidents involving multiple jurisdictions or agencies, a Unified Command structure may be established. The Unified Command brings together representatives from different agencies or jurisdictions to coordinate and make decisions collectively. In this case, the incident objectives are established jointly by the members of the Unified Command, ensuring that all relevant perspectives and expertise are considered.

The process of establishing incident objectives involves several steps:

a) Situation Assessment: The IC or Unified Command conducts a thorough assessment of the incident, including gathering information on the incident's characteristics, risks, available resources, and potential impacts.

b) Goals and Priorities: Based on the situation assessment, the IC or Unified Command identifies the overarching goals and priorities for the incident response. These goals typically align with protecting life, stabilizing the incident, and preserving property and the environment.

c) SMART Objectives: The IC or Unified Command formulates specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that guide incident operations. SMART objectives provide clarity and focus, allowing responders to understand what needs to be accomplished and how success will be measured.

d) Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation: Throughout the incident response, the IC or Unified Command continually evaluates the progress and effectiveness of the operations. If necessary, objectives may be revised or adjusted based on changing conditions, emerging information, or shifting priorities.

Establishing clear incident objectives is essential for effective incident management. They serve as a framework for all responders, helping to align their efforts, prioritize resources, and coordinate actions. By having well-defined objectives, incident commanders and unified commands can optimize the use of available resources and enhance overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Hence, the incident objectives that drive incident operations are established by the Incident Commander or the Unified Command, depending on the specific incident management structure in place.