What should the Incident Commander do if conditions indicate the possibility of arson during fire operations?

The appropriate action for the Incident Commander when there are indications that arson may be involved during fire operations is to notify the fire marshal. This step is crucial because the fire marshal is specifically trained to handle investigations related to suspected arson. By alerting the fire marshal, the Incident Commander ensures that the situation is managed properly and that evidence is preserved for investigation.

Fire marshals have the expertise to assess the scene for potential criminal activity and to coordinate any necessary investigative actions. They can also provide guidance to ensure that fire suppression operations do not interfere with evidence collection. This communication is vital as it shifts the focus from just fighting the fire to also considering the potential criminal implications, which could involve law enforcement.

In contrast, starting immediate fire suppression operations without informing investigators could compromise the investigation, while evacuating the scene may not be necessary unless lives are at immediate risk. Additionally, calling for extra resources could be helpful for fire suppression, but it does not address the critical need for a proper investigation into potential arson. Thus, notifying the fire marshal is the most effective and appropriate action in this scenario.