201.01 Command Structure ‐ Expanding the Organization; Branch Officers

Command Structure Overview

• The Branch level enhances COORDINATION between Sectors and Command.
• Adding Branches alleviates communication load on the Incident Commander (IC).
• Branch Officers supervise Sector Officers and report directly to the IC.

Command Organization Levels

• Strategic Level: Incident Commander (IC)
• Coordination Level: Branch Officers
• Tactical Level: Sector Officers
• Task Level: Companies

Situations for Branch Officer Deployment

• Utilize Branch Officers when the span of control with Sectors is maximized.
• Also needed in incidents with multiple major management components, such as:
  • Large fires with evacuations.
  • Large incidents with numerous casualties and significant hazards.

Examples of Incidents Requiring Branch Officers

• Hazmat incidents necessitating major evacuations.
• Large-scale incidents over broad geographic regions.
• Mass casualty incidents with additional hazards (fires, toxic spills, floods).
• Campaign high-rise fires.
• Incidents where Sectors exceed manageable spans of control.

Branch Officer Responsibilities and Communication

• Branch Officers manage Sector Officers and ensure effective operational direction.
• Communications with Command occur on the Tactical Channel.
• Radio designations reflect function or area (e.g., Fire Control Branch, West Branch).
• Separate radio channels are assigned for communications within Branches.

Notifications and Communication Procedures

• Sector Officers must be informed of their new supervision structure, including:
  • Assigned Branch.
  • Operating radio channel for the Branch and Sector.
• Sector Officers relay Branch communications and radio information to Companies in their Sectors.
• PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) must be obtained from Companies when switching radio channels.

Communication Protocols

• Communications between IC and Fire Branch use Tactical radio designations:
  • “Command to Fire Branch” and “Fire Branch to Command.”
• Interactions between Fire Branch and West Sector occur on Channel A:
  • “Command to West Sector” and “West Sector to Command.”

Branch Officer Assignment and Operations

• Chief Officers are typically assigned as Branch Officers.
• Branch Officers operate in forward positions, often utilizing a Command Officer's vehicle as a Branch Command Post.
• Command staff must monitor Branch radio channels from the Command Post.
• Any Section Officer may implement Branches as necessary within their section's context.

Test your knowledge on the incident command structure, focusing on the role of Branch Officers and their coordination with Sectors. This quiz explores how adding branches enhances communication and management within the organization. Ideal for those studying incident management systems.