Which unit is responsible for developing the Incident Action Plan?

The Planning Section is responsible for developing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) in incident management. The IAP outlines the objectives and strategies for achieving those objectives during an incident, along with specific tasks assigned to various operational units. This section plays a crucial role in ensuring that all efforts are coordinated and that resources are allocated effectively to meet the incident's goals.

The Planning Section gathers information from various sources, including input from the Operations Section about what has been accomplished and what resources are needed going forward. This information is essential for creating a comprehensive and realistic plan that aligns with the overall objectives of managing the incident. The Planning Section is fundamental in ensuring that all planned tasks are documented, communicated, and monitored throughout the incident's duration.

In contrast, while other sections like Operations and Logistics contribute important resources and tactical operations, it is the Planning Section that formally assembles this information into the structured Incident Action Plan that guides the response effort.