What should be done with money, jewelry, or valuable items found at a fire?

When valuables such as money, jewelry, or other valuable items are discovered at the scene of a fire, it is crucial to follow protocols to ensure proper handling and documentation. Turning over these items to the Incident Commander is the correct course of action because the Incident Commander is responsible for managing the overall incident scene, which includes the safety and accountability of all individuals and property involved.

The Incident Commander has the authority to make decisions regarding the preservation of evidence and coordination with other entities such as law enforcement for potential recovery or investigation processes. By directing all valuables to the Incident Commander, it ensures that they are securely logged, safeguarded, and handled according to policy and law, minimizing the risk of loss or mishandling.

Engaging the Incident Commander rather than other roles ensures a streamlined process of accountability and ensures that proper chain-of-custody procedures are maintained regarding any potentially valuable or evidential material.