The Incident Management System should be initiated by the:

• A. First fire unit on the scene
• B. Incident Commander
• C. Mutual aid agencies
• D. The safety officer

Answer: (A)

The scene is stabilized by the first arriving supervisor who takes command and activates the Incident Management System. This person sets up the initial ICS structure, assigns roles, and establishes a command post so operations can begin with clear authority and communication. Starting ICS on arrival ensures urgent actions aren’t delayed waiting for someone else to arrive or for a formal Incident Commander to be appointed. The safety officer and mutual aid agencies come into play as the ICS grows, but they don’t initiate the system itself.