Who is responsible for the overall personnel accountability system for the incident?

The Incident Commander holds the ultimate responsibility for the overall personnel accountability system during an incident. This role encompasses the development and implementation of strategies to ensure that all personnel operating at the scene are accounted for at all times. The Incident Commander must establish and oversee the accountability processes, integrating them into the incident's operational procedures, thereby ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all responders.

This person also coordinates with various roles on the incident management team, facilitating communication that is critical for maintaining real-time awareness of personnel deployment and safety status. By centralizing responsibility for accountability within the Incident Commander, the structure also promotes clear leadership and decision-making authority during complex incidents, which is essential for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of responders.

While roles like the Deputy Chief, Safety Officer, and Operations Chief play vital roles in operational oversight, safety, and tactical decision-making, respectively, the clear directive and ultimate accountability for personnel lies with the Incident Commander.