Incident Command System (ICS)
The standard on-scene structure for commanding and coordinating an incident across organizations.
Definition, in the source's words
FEMA, National Incident Management System, 3rd ed. (2017), PDF p. 34(opens fema.gov in a new tab)“ICS is a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of on-scene incident management that provides a common hierarchy within which personnel from multiple organizations can be effective. ICS specifies an organizational structure for incident management that integrates and coordinates a combination of procedures, personnel, equipment, facilities, and communications.”
What it means
The Incident Commander leads. The Command Staff are the Public Information Officer, Safety Officer and Liaison Officer. The General Staff lead the Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration Sections. The structure grows and shrinks with the incident.
Example
At a chemical release, the fire chief is Incident Commander. The plant's safety manager serves as Safety Officer on the Command Staff, and the HAZMAT team works in the Operations Section.
Where it appears on the exam
ASP: ASP11 Domain 5, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Practice: Incident Command and NIMS
CSP: CSP11 Domain 4, Emergency Management
Practice: Incident Command and NIMS
CHST: CHST5 Domain 2, Emergency Preparedness, Incident Investigation, and Response
Questions
- Who is on the ICS Command Staff?
- The Public Information Officer, the Safety Officer and the Liaison Officer, reporting to the Incident Commander.
Related
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.