What is one of the primary responsibilities of the Public Relations Officer during an incident?

The role of the Public Relations Officer during an incident is critical for maintaining effective communication with the public and media. One of their primary responsibilities is to provide accurate and preliminary information about the incident. This ensures that the community is informed about what is happening, helps to manage public perception, and can alleviate misinformation that may spread during emergencies. The officer acts as a liaison between the fire department and the media, ensuring that information shared is timely and correct, which is essential for public safety and trust.

By focusing on delivering accurate updates, the Public Relations Officer supports the overall management of the incident by fostering a transparent communication channel. This role does not typically involve managing operational aspects of the incident, conducting interviews with victims, or organizing rescue efforts, which fall under the responsibilities of other specialized team members within the department.