Who has the authority to stop all action on the fire ground?

The Safety Officer possesses the authority to halt all activities on the fire ground, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all personnel involved in the incident. This role is critical as the Safety Officer is specifically tasked with monitoring and ensuring that safety protocols are followed, identifying hazards, and assessing risks. If conditions become unsafe, the Safety Officer can make the decisive call to stop operations, preventing potential injuries or fatalities.

While the Incident Commander holds overall responsibility for managing the entire incident and making strategic decisions, the Safety Officer's unique focus on safety gives them the explicit authority to pause operations when necessary. This separation emphasizes the importance of safety as a dedicated function within incident management. Similarly, the Fire Chief generally oversees broader departmental matters, and the Lead Firefighter may manage tactical operations but does not have the same level of authority regarding safety interventions. This delineation of roles ensures that there is a clear line of authority specifically for addressing safety concerns on the scene.