Explain the purpose of transfer of command and when it should occur.

• A. A casual verbal agreement to work with another agency.
• B. The formal change of incident leadership from one IC to another, typically during shift changes, after major changes in conditions, or when the incident scope expands.
• C. A transfer of only paperwork, not leadership.
• D. A change of command only after the incident ends.

Answer: (C)

Transfer of command is the formal change of incident leadership from one IC to another. It ensures continuity, accountability, and effective management as conditions on the incident evolve. It should occur during the incident whenever leadership needs to shift—typically at shift changes, after major changes in conditions, or when the incident scope expands beyond what the current IC can handle. It’s not just a paperwork handoff; the outgoing IC briefs the incoming IC on the current situation, actions taken, resources assigned, outstanding hazards, and incident objectives, and the incoming IC accepts and assumes command with the transfer officially logged. Transfers should happen while operations are ongoing, not after the incident ends, to maintain clear leadership and safety.