When is a Division or Group typically operating?

A Division or Group typically operates at the Tactical Level during an incident response. At this level, the focus is on the specific tasks and objectives that need to be accomplished to manage the incident effectively. The Tactical Level involves the development and implementation of strategies to directly address the hazards and operational needs on the ground.

During this phase, Company Officers and other leaders coordinate resources, assign specific responsibilities to personnel, and directly oversee the progress of operations to achieve the tactical objectives set forth in the incident action plan. This operational approach ensures that resources are utilized efficiently and that actions taken on the scene align with the overall strategy of incident command.

Understanding the distinctions among the various levels is crucial for effective incident management. While the Strategic Level involves long-term goals and overall incident direction, and the Operational Level is more about immediate response actions typically carried out by first responders, it is at the Tactical Level where the Division or Group executes specific assignments to manage the incident effectively.