Which Type of ICS Facility Is Used Temporarily?
Ever walked onto a disaster scene and wondered why the command tent looks different from the main headquarters? Or why, after a few days, the whole setup seems to vanish as quickly as it appeared? The short answer: it’s all about the temporary ICS facility.
If you’ve ever been on the ground during a wildfire, flood, or large public event, you’ve probably seen a few makeshift structures pop up—tents, trailers, even converted shipping containers. Those aren’t random; they’re deliberately chosen pieces of the Incident Command System (ICS) that serve a very specific, short‑term purpose.
Below we’ll break down exactly which type of ICS facility is meant for temporary use, why it matters, how it works, and what you need to watch out for if you ever have to set one up yourself Surprisingly effective..
What Is a Temporary ICS Facility?
In plain English, a temporary ICS facility is any command or support structure that the incident management team puts together for a limited period—usually from a few hours to a few weeks—until a more permanent solution can be established Simple, but easy to overlook..
The Core Idea
Think of it as a pop‑up headquarters. The goal is to give the incident commander (IC) a functional workspace, a place for staff to huddle, and a hub for communications, without the heavy logistics of a permanent building.
The Usual Suspects
- Incident Command Post (ICP) – the classic canvas‑topped tent or modular trailer that houses the IC, the command staff, and the core planning team.
- Staging Areas – not a building per se, but a designated spot where resources gather before they’re deployed.
- Field Offices – often a collection of portable cabins or converted trucks used for specific functions like logistics or finance.
All of these are “temporary” by design, but the ICP is the one most people think of when they ask, “Which type of ICS facility is used temporarily?”
Why It Matters – The Real‑World Impact
When an incident erupts, time is the enemy. A well‑chosen temporary facility can shave hours—or even days—off response time Nothing fancy..
Faster Set‑Up, Faster Action
You can pitch a 10‑by‑30‑foot canvas tent in under an hour. Compare that to the weeks it takes to retrofit an existing building for command use, and the advantage is obvious.
Flexibility on the Fly
Disasters don’t stay put. A wildfire may jump a ridge; a flood can shift its high‑water line. A temporary ICP can be moved, expanded, or downsized as the situation evolves.
Cost Efficiency
Renting a trailer or buying a tent costs a fraction of what a permanent structure would. For agencies working on tight budgets, that’s a huge win.
Safety First
A temporary facility can be positioned away from hazards—like a downed power line or an unstable slope—while still keeping the command team close enough to make decisions Which is the point..
How It Works – From Planning to Pack‑Up
Below is the step‑by‑step playbook most agencies follow when they need a temporary ICS facility.
1. Assess the Incident Scope
- Size – How many personnel will be on‑site?
- Duration – Is this a 24‑hour event or a multi‑week operation?
- Hazards – Are there fire, chemical, or structural risks that dictate placement?
The answers dictate whether a simple tent will do or if you need a more dependable modular unit.
2. Choose the Facility Type
| Situation | Recommended Temporary Facility |
|---|---|
| Small, fast‑moving incident (e.In real terms, g. , traffic accident) | Canvas tent or pop‑up canopy |
| Medium‑scale event (e.Because of that, g. Also, , local flood) | Portable trailer or modular shelter |
| Large, prolonged operation (e. g. |
3. Site Selection
- Accessibility – Vehicles, especially heavy‑equipment, need clear paths.
- Visibility – The IC should see the incident area without obstruction.
- Security – Pick a spot that can be easily secured with minimal personnel.
4. Set‑Up Procedures
- Ground Preparation – Level the ground, lay down a groundsheet, and secure corners with stakes or sandbags.
- Anchoring – Use guy lines, rope, or steel anchors depending on wind conditions.
- Power & Communications – Run generator cables, set up satellite phones, and position radios within a few meters of the command table.
- Furniture Layout – Standard layout: command table in the center, planning board to the right, logistics desk to the left, and a clear “whiteboard wall” at the back.
5. Operational Use
- Briefings – Morning and evening briefings happen at the ICP.
- Documentation – All action items, resource requests, and status updates are logged on the planning board.
- Coordination – The ICP serves as the hub for liaising with external agencies—law enforcement, public health, NGOs, you name it.
6. Demobilization
When the incident stabilizes, the temporary facility is taken down in reverse order: power off, equipment stowed, tent folded, and the site restored to its original condition Which is the point..
Common Mistakes – What Most People Get Wrong
Even seasoned responders slip up. Here are the pitfalls you’ll want to avoid Not complicated — just consistent..
Assuming “One‑Size‑Fits‑All”
A 10‑by‑30‑foot tent works great for a small brush fire, but it quickly becomes cramped for a multi‑agency incident. Tailor the size to the expected staff count.
Ignoring Weather
A tent without proper anchoring in high winds can become a dangerous projectile. Always check the forecast and reinforce with extra guy lines or sandbags Simple, but easy to overlook. But it adds up..
Overloading Power
Plugging a generator into too many devices can cause brownouts. Use a power distribution panel and keep a load chart handy And that's really what it comes down to..
Poor Site Selection
Putting the ICP too close to the hazard may force an early evacuation. Conversely, placing it too far can delay decision‑making.
Forgetting Documentation
When you’re in the heat of an incident, it’s easy to rely on memory. But without accurate logs, post‑incident reviews become a guessing game It's one of those things that adds up..
Practical Tips – What Actually Works
Below are the nuggets that have saved me (and my crew) from a lot of headaches That's the part that actually makes a difference..
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Pre‑Pack Kits – Keep a “Rapid‑Deploy ICP Kit” that includes a tent, stakes, a portable table, a whiteboard, and a basic communications bundle. When the call comes, you’re ready.
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Modular Design – Use interlocking panels or modular walls that can be added or removed as staff numbers change.
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Redundant Communications – Have at least two independent radio frequencies and a satellite phone as a backup.
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Quick‑Connect Power – Invest in a generator with a built‑in automatic transfer switch; it cuts down on wiring time The details matter here..
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Standardized Layout – Train all staff on the “standard ICP layout” so everyone knows where to find the planning board, logistics desk, and safety information without a tour.
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After‑Action Review (AAR) Form – Fill it out on the spot, even if it’s just a few bullet points. The details are fresher, and you’ll spot improvement opportunities faster.
FAQ
Q: Can a temporary ICP be used for a multi‑day event like a marathon?
A: Absolutely. For events lasting several days, a larger trailer or a combination of a tent and a trailer works best. Just make sure you have enough power and sanitation facilities That's the whole idea..
Q: How far should the ICP be from the incident scene?
A: Generally, keep it within a 15‑minute travel radius for the IC and staff, but far enough to stay out of immediate danger zones (e.g., fire line, floodplain) Not complicated — just consistent..
Q: Do I need a permit to set up a temporary facility on public land?
A: Most jurisdictions require a short‑term permit for structures larger than a simple canopy. Check with the local authority early in the planning stage.
Q: What’s the difference between an ICP and a Staging Area?
A: The ICP is the command hub where decisions are made; a Staging Area is a holding point for resources awaiting assignment. They can be co‑located, but they serve distinct functions It's one of those things that adds up..
Q: How do I ensure my temporary facility is ADA‑compliant?
A: Use a ramp with a 1:12 slope, provide wide enough doorways (at least 32 inches), and keep pathways clear of obstacles.
When the dust settles and the last tent pole is folded, you’ll realize that the temporary ICS facility you chose was the unsung hero of the operation. It gave the incident commander a place to think, coordinate, and lead—without the bureaucracy of a permanent building.
You'll probably want to bookmark this section.
So next time you hear “set up an ICP,” you’ll know exactly why that canvas tent, trailer, or modular shelter is the right tool for the job, and how to make it work like a well‑oiled machine.
That’s it. Happy commanding!
