Who is in charge of overall Haz-Mat resources?

The Chief-in-Charge holds the responsibility for overseeing all hazardous materials resources during an incident. This role is critical in ensuring that proper protocols are followed, resources are effectively allocated, and all units work together in a coordinated manner. The Chief-in-Charge has the authority to make high-level decisions regarding the response strategy, use of resources, and overall management of the incident.

While the Fire Chief has a broader organizational responsibility and the Haz-Mat Battalion Chief focuses on specific hazardous materials operations, the Chief-in-Charge directly coordinates those on-scene efforts. The Incident Commander also plays a vital role in incident management, but the Chief-in-Charge specifically addresses the strategic oversight of Haz-Mat resources, which distinguishes their function in this context.