What happens to the personnel accountability passports at the scene of an incident?

Personnel accountability passports are critical tools used in firefighting and emergency response to track the personnel assigned to a particular incident. When responding to an emergency, ensuring accurate accountability of all firefighters and personnel on the scene is paramount for safety and efficient operations.

In this context, option C is the correct answer because personnel accountability passports should be left with a designee at the command post or hazardous area entry point. This practice ensures that there is a reliable system in place for tracking who is on the scene and who has entered or exited hazardous areas. The designee is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the accountability system, which is key during incident operations. If an emergency occurs, such as a firefighter needing assistance, the accountability system allows the incident commander to quickly ascertain who is inside the hazard zone and take necessary action.

Storing the passports in the fire engine would not provide immediate access to someone managing the incident, and keeping them with the incident commander could create confusion during a rapidly evolving scene where multiple operations are ongoing. Discarding the passports after use would eliminate the accountability that is crucial for safety during firefighting operations. Therefore, having them with a designated individual at the command post or entry point is the most effective way to maintain accountability and ensure all personnel can be