Which ICS section is responsible for developing the IAP?

The Planning section in the Incident Command System (ICS) is responsible for developing the Incident Action Plan (IAP). This section plays a critical role in gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information regarding the incident while also determining the objectives and strategies for the incident response. The Planning section assesses the operational environment and formulates a clear plan that details the actions to be taken to achieve the incident objectives.

The development of the IAP includes details such as the tasks to be performed, resource allocation, and safety considerations. By understanding the situation and organizing the necessary resources through thorough planning, the IAP provides a structured approach to effectively manage the incident and ensures that all responders are coordinated.

In contrast, the other sections have different primary responsibilities: the Command section oversees the entire incident operation, the Tactical section focuses specifically on implementing strategies and tactics, and the Operations section manages the tactical operations that support the objectives laid out in the IAP. Each section has a distinct role, but it is the Planning section that is directly charged with the creation of the IAP.