What is the term for releasing resources no longer needed at an incident?

• A. Redeployment
• B. Demobilization
• C. Reassignment
• D. Friction

Answer: (B)

Demobilization is the process of releasing personnel and equipment that are no longer needed at the incident, and doing so in a controlled, orderly way as operations wind down. This ensures responders stay safe, resources are accounted for, and costs are managed while returning assets to service or assignment. It’s distinct from redeployment, which means moving resources to a different task or location, and reassignment, which changes a person’s or resource’s assignment. Friction isn’t a standard incident-management term, so it wouldn’t apply. For a hazmat incident, demobilization might involve decontamination steps as teams and gear are released, transporting personnel home or to the next assignment, and documenting resource usage for cost recovery and accountability.