Which incident type requires one or two single resources with up to six personnel?
A Type 5 incident. It is the least complex incident type, involving one or two single resources with up to six total personnel. It is handled with a verbal or unwritten plan, has no activated Command or General Staff, and is typically resolved within a few hours.
The answer
The correct answer is a Type 5 incident. Under the Incident Command System (ICS), incidents are ranked by complexity from Type 5 (least complex) to Type 1 (most complex). A Type 5 incident is the smallest and simplest: it requires one or two single resources with up to six personnel, is usually contained within a couple of hours after resources arrive, and needs no written Incident Action Plan (IAP), the objectives are handled verbally. No Command or General Staff positions are activated. Everyday examples include a vehicle fire, a minor medical call, or a small hazmat spill.
The five incident types at a glance
Remembering the scale from smallest to largest is the key to these ICS-100/200/300 questions:
- Type 5 – Least complex. One or two single resources, up to six personnel. No written IAP. Resolved in a few hours. Command and General Staff not activated.
- Type 4 – A few resources, single operational period (within a few hours to one day). The Command function may include a division of duties, but a written IAP is generally not required.
- Type 3 – The incident extends beyond one operational period, or resources exceed initial response. A Type 3 Incident Management Team may be activated, and a written IAP is typically used. Some Command and General Staff positions are staffed.
- Type 2 – Complex; extends into multiple operational periods. Many resources and a large staff; a written IAP is required, and most or all Command and General Staff are activated. Regional or national teams may assist.
- Type 1 – Most complex. National-level resources, hundreds or thousands of personnel across multiple operational periods, a full written IAP, and all Command and General Staff positions filled.
Why not the other types
Type 5 is specifically defined by the "one or two single resources, up to six personnel" language, so it is the unique correct match. Type 4 is close but larger and marks the point where the Incident Commander begins formally dividing responsibilities across a single operational period. Type 3 is where written IAPs and incident management teams first routinely appear. Types 2 and 1 describe major, multi-period incidents needing full staffing and written plans, far beyond a six-person response. Choosing any of those would overstate the scale.
The bigger picture
The two clearest "tells" that separate the small incidents are the written IAP and the operational period. A written IAP first becomes standard at Type 3; Types 4 and 5 run on verbal direction within a single operational period. And the six-personnel ceiling is unique to Type 5. Anchoring on those two facts lets you place any incident correctly and answer complexity questions with confidence.
| Type 5 | Least complex | 1-2 single resources, up to 6 | No (verbal) | Not activated |
| Type 4 | Low | Several resources, single operational period | Generally no | IC divides duties as needed |
| Type 3 | Moderate | Extends beyond one operational period | Yes, typically | Some positions activated (Type 3 IMT) |
| Type 2 | High | Many resources, multiple periods | Yes, required | Most or all activated |
| Type 1 | Most complex | National resources, hundreds+ | Yes, required | All positions filled |
Frequently asked
What are the five ICS incident types?
ICS ranks incidents from Type 5 (least complex) to Type 1 (most complex). Type 5 is a small, short incident with up to six personnel; Types 4 and 3 grow in resources and duration; and Types 2 and 1 are major, multi-period incidents requiring full staffing and written Incident Action Plans.
What is a Type 1 incident?
A Type 1 incident is the most complex. It draws on national resources, involves hundreds or thousands of personnel across multiple operational periods, requires a written Incident Action Plan, and activates all Command and General Staff positions. Large disasters and major wildfires are typical examples.
When is a written Incident Action Plan required?
A written IAP first becomes standard practice at Type 3, when an incident extends beyond one operational period, and is required for Type 2 and Type 1 incidents. Type 4 and Type 5 incidents are managed with verbal direction and generally do not need a written IAP.
What is the difference between Type 4 and Type 5 incidents?
A Type 5 incident is the smallest, one or two single resources and up to six personnel, resolved within a few hours with no formal command structure. A Type 4 incident is somewhat larger, spanning a single operational period, where the Incident Commander begins dividing duties among a few more resources.
How many personnel does each incident type involve?
Type 5 involves up to six personnel; Type 4 a few more resources within one operational period; Type 3 exceeds initial response and spans multiple periods; Type 2 uses many resources and a large staff; and Type 1 mobilizes national resources with hundreds or thousands of personnel.