The arrival report should establish who is in command.

• A. It should be lengthy, accurate, and thorough.
• B. It should establish who is in command.
• C. It can be delayed until water supply is established.
• D. It should be provided after the water supply is established.

Answer: (B)

When units arrive, the first priority is to establish who is in command. The arrival report designates the incident commander immediately, so everyone knows who makes decisions, who to report to, and who is responsible for safety and directing operations. This clarity allows rapid task assignment, effective coordination with arriving crews, and a unified approach as the scene evolves. Delaying command until a water supply is secured would slow decisions and create confusion about leadership. The report can include location, conditions, hazards, and initial actions, but the defining element is naming the commander at the outset.