What additional level of supervision can an incident commander establish if facing span of control difficulties?

When an incident commander is dealing with span of control challenges, establishing branches is the most effective solution. The concept of branches within the incident command system allows for a more manageable structure when the number of resources or personnel exceeds what one incident commander can effectively supervise.

Branches are used to further divide responsibilities and resources, which helps maintain effective oversight and organization at the scene of an incident. Each branch can handle specific tasks or geographical areas, making coordination easier and enhancing overall command efficiency.

In contrast, while sections and divisions can also contribute to managing resources, branches specifically increase the level of supervision by creating functional or geographical subdivisions within a section. This enables the incident commander to focus on the larger strategic picture while delegating specific operational tasks to branch directors. Teams, on the other hand, typically refer to smaller groups that operate under the direction of a division or group rather than introducing a new level of supervisory structure.

Utilizing branches effectively addresses potential difficulties with span of control, ensuring a more organized response to incidents while allowing the incident commander to maintain clear oversight.