The individual who is responsible for the management of all incident operations is the:

The individual responsible for the management of all incident operations is known as the incident commander. This person plays a critical role in the incident management structure and is in charge of overseeing the incident scene, making key decisions, and directing resources effectively to manage and mitigate the incident. The incident commander establishes the objectives, develops strategies, and ensures that operations are conducted safely and efficiently.

In the context of emergency responses, this role is typically filled by someone who has the training and authority to make operational decisions, coordinate resources, and communicate with other agencies if necessary. The incident commander is pivotal during emergencies, as they assess the situation, determine the resources needed, and direct the incident's operational strategy.

The role of the fire chief, while significant within the fire department, is often more focused on administrative leadership and long-term planning rather than on-the-ground incident management, especially if they are not present at the scene. The driver/operator and safety officer have specific responsibilities that support the incident operations but do not hold the authority to manage all aspects of the incident like the incident commander does.