Who takes over on-scene public information if the PRO or Assistant PRO is unavailable?

The correct answer is that the Incident Commander or designee assumes responsibility for on-scene public information in the absence of the Public Relations Officer (PRO) or Assistant PRO. This procedure is established to ensure that there is a clear chain of command and communication during emergency incidents.

The Incident Commander plays a crucial role in managing the incident and is responsible for overseeing the overall operation at the scene. When the PRO or Assistant PRO is unavailable, it is imperative that someone familiar with the situation and the protocols of public information takes on this role to provide accurate and timely information to the public and media. This allows for the management of information effectively, which can be vital for public safety and maintaining trust in the fire department's response.

In this context, having the Incident Commander or designated individual assume this responsibility ensures that the public receives consistent messages and that the information shared aligns with the overall incident management strategy. This procedure helps to avoid confusion and misinformation, which could arise if those less familiar with the incident were to take over the communication duties.