Which group of authorities is responsible when an incident occurs on unincorporated roadways?

When an incident occurs on unincorporated roadways, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is primarily responsible for managing and responding to such situations. This is due to the CHP's specific jurisdiction over state highways and unincorporated areas that are not within the limits of local municipalities. The CHP is equipped to handle various traffic incidents, enforce the law on highways, and ensure public safety on these roadways.

Local fire protection agencies typically respond to emergency situations involving fires and medical incidents but do not have jurisdiction over traffic-related incidents on state highways or unincorporated roads. City law enforcement agencies generally operate within city limits and focus on urban policing matters. Federal emergency services usually deal with larger-scale disasters and emergencies that exceed local capacities, which are not typically relevant in the context of traffic incidents on local roadways. Hence, the CHP's specialized role makes it the correct authority in this scenario.