Who in the ICS has the "final authority"?

The Incident Commander holds the "final authority" within the Incident Command System (ICS). This role is pivotal in managing the overall incident response, making critical decisions, and ensuring that the incident is handled effectively and safely. The Incident Commander is responsible for setting objectives, determining strategies, and mobilizing resources as necessary to manage the incident.

This individual is also tasked with overseeing all aspects of the incident response, including logistics, operations, and planning, which underscores their authority and responsibility. They coordinate the efforts of all personnel involved in the incident, ensuring that all actions align with the established incident objectives.

While other positions such as the Operations Chief, Planning Section Chief, and Safety Officer hold important roles and may have specific authority within their areas of expertise, the ultimate decision-making authority resides with the Incident Commander. This structure is designed to provide clear leadership and accountability during an incident response.