This procedure defines the responsibilities of the Staging Sector Officer. Level II staging is implemented by Command and should be utilized for all greater alarm incidents, first alarm medical or hazardous materials incidents, or other incidents in which Command desires to centralize resources, or simply park apparatus in a central, unobstructed location.

Level II staging will require all responding companies to report to the central staging location.

Implementation of Level II staging automatically requires the implementation of a "Staging Sector" Officer. Command should request a separate radio channel and may designate a Staging Sector Officer. Where an officer is not designated, the first company to arrive at the designated staging location will automatically become the staging officer.

Where the first company to staging is a ladder company, Staging Sector responsibilities should be transferred to an engine company officer upon his arrival on the scene.

Radio designation will be "Staging Sector."

Command will request a separate radio channel to be used for Command Post to Staging Sector communications and advise the Staging Sector Officer.

The staging area should be outside the incident site perimeter, but close enough for quick response to the scene. The staging area should allow staged companies to access any geographic point of the incident without delay or vehicle congestion.

The Staging Officer will also be responsible for the following functions:

1. Locate an area of adequate size for all apparatus, including apparatus that may respond with additional alarms.
2. Transmit the staging area location to Command and Dispatch indicating access and routing as needed.
3. Coordinate with the Police Department to block streets, intersections, and other access required for the staging area.
4. Ensure that all apparatus is parked in an appropriate manner for quick exit.
5. Maintain a log of companies available in the staging area and inventory all specialized equipment that might be required at the scene.
6. Maintain crews in a ready state with their apparatus.
7. Provide progress reports to Command indicating number and type of units available.
8. Assume a position that is visible and accessible to incoming and staged companies. This will be accomplished by leaving the red lights operating on the staging officers apparatus and by wearing a sector vest.
9. Assign staged companies to incident duty per Command's direction.

When directed by Command or Logistics, the Staging Officer will verbally assign companies to report to specific sectors, telling them where and to whom to report. Staging will then advise Command of the specific unit assigned. Command will advise each Sector Officer the companies being assigned to the sector. The receiving Sector Officer may then communicate directly with the company by radio.

When assigned to incident site duties, companies will keep track of "on-scene" time.

The Staging Sector Officer will give Command periodic reports of available companies in staging. Command will utilize this information to request additional resource as needed.

The Staging Sector Officer should organize staging in a manner that will allow apparatus to effectively move into and out of staging. Adequate space between apparatus is required. Ladders companies should be placed in one area, engines in another, and rescues in another area.

Where only staff or specialized equipment is needed at the scene, staging should arrange a "taxi" service using a single company to deliver multiple crews or specialized equipment to the scene. This will minimize site congestion.

During major incidents where a "Logistics" Section is implemented, the Staging Sector will be working under the direction of the Logistics Officer.