When a more qualified person arrives on the scene

The arrival of a more qualified person on the scene does not automatically necessitate a change in command.

The official FEMA training material states that “the arrival of a more qualified person does NOT necessarily mean a change in incident command”. This reflects the Incident Command System (ICS) principle that emphasizes the adaptability and flexibility of command roles based on agency guidelines and the needs of the incident.

For instance, a more qualified individual might assume command if deemed necessary by the guidelines, continue to monitor the effectiveness of the current command, or request an even more qualified Incident Commander from an agency with higher jurisdictional responsibility.