What is the main role of the Incident Commander at a hazardous materials incident?

The primary responsibility of the Incident Commander at a hazardous materials incident is to establish command and implement response actions. This role is critical to ensuring an effective and organized response to hazardous situations. The Incident Commander serves as the central authority, making decisions regarding overall strategies, resource allocation, and personnel deployment based on the specific hazards present. This individual coordinates the efforts of multiple agencies and disciplines to manage the incident safely and effectively while ensuring that all responders maintain situational awareness and follow safety protocols.

In contrast, the other roles mentioned, such as handling public relations, financing the operation, or gathering materials for cleanup, are not the core focuses of the Incident Commander. While public relations, financial management, and logistics are important aspects of incident management, they are typically managed by other designated individuals or divisions within the incident command structure. The Incident Command System emphasizes the importance of clear command and communication to navigate the complexities of hazardous materials incidents effectively.