Who is responsible for developing the Incident Action Plan (IAP)?

The correct choice for who is responsible for developing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) is the Planning Section Chief. This is a crucial role within the Incident Command System (ICS) framework, as the Planning Section Chief is tasked with gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information about the incident. This includes both the operational objectives and strategies that will guide the response effectively.

The Planning Section Chief coordinates all the planning activities and facilitates the development of the IAP by collaborating with other sections to ensure that it reflects the current situation and focuses on the goals and objectives of the incident response. This process includes establishing priorities, identifying resources needed, and determining the sequence of actions to be taken during the operational period.

The other roles mentioned, while important, do not hold the responsibility of developing the IAP. The Logistics Section Chief focuses on support needs such as supplies and personnel, the Operations Section Chief implements the IAP and manages all tactical operations, and the Safety Officer is chiefly concerned with safety issues and risks associated with the incident. Each role has its own specific functions that are integral to incident management, but the development of the IAP specifically falls under the purview of the Planning Section Chief.