Which section of ICS is involved in preparing the Incident Action Plan?

The section of the Incident Command System (ICS) that is responsible for preparing the Incident Action Plan is the Planning section. This section plays a crucial role in gathering and analyzing information and then developing a strategic plan to achieve the objectives of the incident response. The Incident Action Plan outlines the goals for a given operational period, specifies the tasks to be completed, establishes the resources needed, and sets out how those resources will be deployed.

The Planning section also continuously assesses the situation and adjusts the plan as needed based on changing conditions or newly acquired intelligence about the incident. This dynamic management ensures that response efforts remain efficient and effective in addressing the incident's challenges.

In contrast, the responsibilities of the other sections focus on different areas: Finance/Administration manages financial aspects and administrative support, Operations directly oversees the implementation of the plan and executes the operational objectives, while Logistics is responsible for securing and providing the necessary resources and support services. Each section has its focused roles, but it is the Planning section that brings everything together in the form of the Incident Action Plan.