What should happen as soon as practicable when news media are present at an incident?

The correct response highlights the importance of having a designated Public Relations Officer during incidents where news media are present. This protocol ensures that there is a single point of contact for the media, which helps to streamline communication and manage the flow of information. The Public Relations Officer is trained to handle inquiries from the media and can provide accurate information in a timely manner, reducing the risk of misinformation and confusion about the situation.

Having a Public Relations Officer allows the Incident Commander and emergency personnel to focus on the incident response rather than media interactions. This role is crucial for maintaining public safety and effectively communicating critical updates while also respecting the needs of the media to report on the situation. Properly managing media presence can help foster positive relations between the fire department and the community, as well as provide transparency during emergency operations.

Other options may not prioritize effective communication or the management of the scene. For instance, starting an incident report or escorting media away does not address the immediate need for structured communication. Allowing media to wait for official statements, while important, may lead to confusion if there is no designated person to manage their expectations and queries. Hence, designating a Public Relations Officer is the most strategic and effective course of action in this scenario.