What is the primary role of the Operations Section Chief in an incident response?

In an incident response, the primary role of the Operations Section Chief is to manage tactical activities. This involves overseeing the implementation of the incident action plan and coordinating the resources and personnel engaged in response efforts. The Operations Section Chief is responsible for ensuring that operational objectives are met and that activities are conducted effectively in the field.

By focusing specifically on tactical activities, the Operations Section Chief plays a crucial role in directing on-the-ground response efforts, which may include managing response teams, deploying resources, and adapting strategies in real-time based on the evolving situation. This position operates at the heart of incident management, ensuring that response efforts are aligned with the overarching goals of the incident action plan.

In contrast, procuring necessary resources, preparing the incident action plan, and monitoring financial expenditures are important functions within the incident management structure but fall under the responsibilities of other roles within the incident command system. These tasks support the Operations Section Chief and help ensure a well-coordinated response, but the chief focus remains on managing the tactical response efforts directly.