Who does the 1st arriving Division Chief report to upon arrival at a high-rise incident?

The first arriving Division Chief reports to the Incident Commander upon arrival at a high-rise incident because the Incident Commander has the overall responsibility for managing the incident. This includes establishing the strategy for operations, directing resources, and ensuring safety within the incident response framework.

The Division Chief plays a critical role in supporting the Incident Commander by evaluating the incident, providing expertise and resources, and helping to implement the Incident Command System (ICS) effectively. Reporting directly to the Incident Commander ensures that the Division Chief is aligned with the overall incident objectives and can offer input based on their specialized knowledge and experience in managing high-rise incidents.

In situations involving large-scale incidents like those in high-rise structures, clear lines of communication and hierarchy are vital for operational efficiency and safety. The Incident Commander relies on the Division Chief for tactical information and support to make informed decisions.