When multiple agencies share responsibility for an incident, the ICS arrangement is known as:

• A. Unified command
• B. Single chain of command
• C. Multi-agency delegation
• D. Independent command

Answer: (A)

Unified Command is used when multiple agencies share responsibility for an incident. It creates a single, coordinated leadership structure at the scene where leaders from all involved agencies work together toward common objectives. This setup establishes a shared Incident Action Plan and integrated planning, so decisions, priorities, and resource allocations are aligned rather than duplicative or conflicting. Each agency keeps its own authority, but they operate under joint direction to ensure a cohesive response across jurisdictions or disciplines. This is essential in complex incidents—like a wildfire or hazardous material event—where fire, police, public works, EMS, and other entities must coordinate their efforts. The other concepts don’t fit as well: a single chain of command centralizes authority to one agency, multi-agency delegation isn’t a formal ICS arrangement for shared leadership, and independent command implies separate, unconnected command structures.