The command vehicle is staffed daily by a battalion chief. The battalion chief's responsibilities include scheduling and managing daily operations of fire crews, ensuring that every area of the city is provided with adequate emergency response coverage, and functioning as the incident commander of large incidents.

The command vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art mobile communications terminal that allows the battalion chief to receive real-time incident information and maintain communications with our dispatch center and local law enforcement. Additionally, this vehicle is equipped with a large storage area containing items pertinent to managing a large scale incident, including any natural or man-made disaster.

The battalion chief functions as the incident commander and can usually be found inside or at the rear of the vehicle. This area provides a calm environment with computers, radios, and necessary paperwork for the incident commander to manage the scene of an emergency. Additionally, the command vehicle is recognized as a resource as part of our Master Mutual Aid Plan with the State of California. On several occasions we have responded to wildfires in Orange County as well as outside the county to lead a strike team of five engines to assist other agencies protect life, property, and the environment.