Fireground Liaison

What Is Fireground Liaison?

A fireground liaison (Liaison Officer) is an Incident Command System (ICS) staff member responsible for coordinating communications, resource needs, and operational integration between the Incident Commander and external assisting agencies such as police, utility companies, transit authorities, and environmental health departments.

Why Fireground Liaison Matters on the Fireground

Complex emergency scenes require seamless interaction with external entities. Without a dedicated liaison, the Incident Commander becomes overwhelmed by administrative inquiries and inter-agency coordination, distracting from tactical life-safety decisions.

Relevant NFPA Standards

• NFPA 1010: Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters
• NFPA 1550: Standard for Emergency Responder Health and Safety

Field Procedures & Tactical Steps

1. Establish a designated Liaison check-in post near the Incident Command Post.
2. Identify representatives from attending agencies (police, utilities, EPA, red cross, transit).
3. Brief agency representatives on current incident objectives, hazards, and perimeter security rules.
4. Relay specialized resource requests (gas shutoffs, power grid de-energization, buses for displaced residents) from IC to appropriate agencies.
5. Maintain an active agency contact log and provide regular situational updates throughout the event.

Common Context & Application

Activated during major commercial fires, hazmat spills, natural disasters, and multi-jurisdictional incidents requiring non-fire agency support.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fireground Liaison