What should the Incident Commander ensure if they suspect arson?

The Incident Commander plays a vital role in managing fire incidents and ensuring the preservation of evidence, particularly in cases of suspected arson. When there is a suspicion of arson, it is critical that all personnel remain at the scene. This ensures that the scene is secured and that any potential evidence is not disturbed or compromised, which is essential for both the fire investigation and any potential legal proceedings that may follow.

Keeping personnel on-site also allows investigators to gather real-time information and observations from the firefighters who have experienced the incident firsthand. This firsthand knowledge can be invaluable in understanding the circumstances surrounding the fire and any possible arson indicators.

The other options do not align with best practices for handling a suspected arson case. Destroying evidence would hinder the investigation, filing a report too quickly may overlook important details, and while identifying witnesses is important, it is secondary to ensuring the integrity of the scene and preserving all available evidence. Hence, the focus on maintaining presence at the scene stands as the most critical action for the Incident Commander to take in such situations.