When is command terminated?

• A. When the IC declares All clear
• B. When the incident is declared under control
• C. The IC releases the command and general staff
• D. The last company leaves the scene

Answer: (D)

The key idea is when command is formally concluded as the incident winds down. In the Incident Command System, demobilization is the process of releasing resources and personnel and returning them to normal duties. The clearest observable sign that command has ended is the departure of the last unit from the scene, meaning all operations are finished and the area is cleared. Other statuses like “All clear” or “incident under control” describe conditions during response, but they don’t alone terminate command. Releasing command and the general staff is part of demobilization, but the formal termination occurs when the final unit leaves the scene.