Who is responsible for the financial oversight during an incident?

The individual responsible for financial oversight during an incident is the Finance/Administration Section Chief. This position is crucial as it encompasses the management of all financial aspects, including budgeting, cost tracking, procurement, and ensuring that all expenditures are accounted for according to the Incident Command System (ICS) protocols. This role requires attention to detail and familiarity with financial policies to ensure compliance and proper documentation.

In contrast, the Operations Chief focuses on tactical operations and implementing the incident action plan, while the Logistics Chief manages resources and support services within the incident. The Planning Section Chief is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating incident information, as well as developing plans based on the incident’s evolving situation. Each of these positions plays an important role, but only the Finance/Administration Section Chief possesses the specific expertise and authority needed for financial oversight.