Which position has the authority to directly and immediately stop or correct any activity on the fireground that he or she judges to be unsafe?

The designated safety officer holds the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of all personnel on the fireground. This position is specifically established to monitor operations and assess conditions continually, ensuring compliance with safety protocols. The safety officer is empowered to halt any activity that poses an immediate danger, thereby protecting firefighters and other team members from potential harm.

This role is critical because firefighting operations can be unpredictable, and the safety officer's expertise allows them to make quick decisions regarding safe practices. Their direct authority to intervene ensures that safety concerns are prioritized during dynamic and often hazardous incidents. In contrast, although other team members may have a sense of responsibility for safety, it is the designated safety officer who has the official authority to make immediate changes or stop activities that are deemed unsafe.