Which action should be taken by the Incident Commander regarding units at the scene if the possibility of arson arises?

Detailing units to remain with information until the fire marshal arrives is crucial in situations where the possibility of arson arises. This action ensures that any potential evidence relevant to the investigation is preserved and that witness statements can be collected while they are still fresh.

When arson is suspected, the integrity of the scene becomes paramount for both the investigation and any subsequent legal actions. Fire marshall investigations require careful collection of evidence, which might include physical evidence and testimonial accounts from witnesses or first responders. Keeping units on the scene allows for this collection process to begin as soon as possible, aiding in establishing the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.

Taking this action is particularly important because other options may lead to the loss of critical evidence. For instance, if all units were to leave the scene, potential evidence could be disturbed or removed, complicating the investigation. Additionally, while requesting backup from neighboring jurisdictions could be beneficial for resource allocation, it does not directly address the need to secure the scene for investigation purposes. Lastly, assuming the fire was accidental ignores crucial signs that may indicate deliberate actions, which could hinder the investigation process. Thus, the priority in these scenarios is to maintain the scene and information for the fire marshal’s thorough examination.