Who manages information and maintains situational awareness during an incident?

The Planning Section Chief is responsible for managing information and maintaining situational awareness during an incident. This role involves gathering and analyzing data to create and update incident action plans, ensuring that all relevant information is communicated effectively among the command and general staff. The Planning Section Chief plays a crucial part in assessing the current situation, projecting future needs, and anticipating potential developments, which are vital in decision-making processes throughout the incident response.

While other sections have specific functions, they do not primarily focus on information management and situational awareness. The Operations Section Chief is concerned with directing tactical operations. The Logistics Section Chief manages resources, facilities, and support services necessary for operations. The Finance/Administration Section Chief oversees financial tracking and administrative aspects related to the incident response. Thus, the responsibility for information management and maintaining an ongoing understanding of the incident landscape clearly falls to the Planning Section Chief.