Red Card Communication & Incident Command System (ICS) 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In ICS, the term 'unified command' is used when:
- Only one agency is involved in the response
- Multiple agencies with jurisdictional authority manage the incident together (Correct answer)
- The IC delegates command to a deputy
- Two divisions are merged into one
Correct answer: Multiple agencies with jurisdictional authority manage the incident together
Unified Command allows multiple agencies sharing jurisdiction to work together under a single ICS structure without losing authority.
Question 2: Which ICS position is specifically responsible for tracking resources on a wildland fire?
- Resources Unit Leader (Correct answer)
- Facilities Unit Leader
- Supply Unit Leader
- Demobilization Unit Leader
Correct answer: Resources Unit Leader
The Resources Unit Leader maintains status on all assigned resources using the T-card or electronic tracking systems.
Question 3: On a wildland fire, 'Command Net' communications are typically used for:
- Crew-to-crew coordination during suppression
- Air-to-ground tanker drops
- Coordination between the IC and section chiefs (Correct answer)
- Weather reporting from lookouts
Correct answer: Coordination between the IC and section chiefs
The Command Net is used for high-level coordination between the Incident Commander and section or branch leadership.
Question 4: What is the ICS term for the location where the Incident Commander and command staff typically work?
- Base
- Camp
- Incident Command Post (ICP) (Correct answer)
- Staging Area
Correct answer: Incident Command Post (ICP)
The Incident Command Post is the on-scene location where the Incident Commander and command staff direct operations.
Question 5: A firefighter notices an unsafe condition but cannot reach their supervisor by radio. According to ICS and firefighter safety rules, they should:
- Ignore it if the fire is not immediately threatening
- Notify the nearest crew member and withdraw if necessary (Correct answer)
- Wait for their supervisor to check in
- Contact the GACC directly
Correct answer: Notify the nearest crew member and withdraw if necessary
Firefighters are empowered to act for their safety; they should alert others and withdraw from danger even without supervisor contact.
Question 6: What does the ICS principle of 'management by objectives' require?
- Supervisors manage using strict top-down orders only
- Establishing and communicating measurable objectives to guide all personnel (Correct answer)
- Limiting objectives to three per operational period
- Objectives are set only by the Incident Commander
Correct answer: Establishing and communicating measurable objectives to guide all personnel
Management by objectives means all planning and operations are driven by clearly stated, measurable goals communicated to all levels.
Question 7: In ICS, when should an Incident Action Plan (IAP) be completed?
- Within 72 hours of incident start
- Before each operational period begins (Correct answer)
- Only when a Type 1 or Type 2 team is ordered
- After the incident is contained
Correct answer: Before each operational period begins
The IAP must be prepared and distributed before the start of each operational period to guide all assigned resources.
Red Card Communication & Incident Command System (ICS) 4
In ICS, the term 'unified command' is used when: