Who is typically responsible for de-energizing a live electrical hazard at a firefighting incident?

• A. The on-scene firefighter
• B. The electrical utility or incident command
• C. The building owner
• D. The safety officer

Answer: (B)

When dealing with a live electrical hazard at a firefighting incident, who shuts the power down must come from the proper authority and proper coordination. The electrical utility has the trained personnel and authority to safely disconnect service, inspect for hazards, and green-light re-energization. If the utility can’t respond quickly, the incident command can authorize and coordinate a shutdown through the utility, ensuring the action is controlled and safe for crews and bystanders. A firefighter on scene does not have the authority to de-energize the electrical supply, the building owner typically isn’t equipped or authorized to perform a safe disconnection, and the safety officer’s job is to identify hazards and oversee safety, not to execute the power shutdown. This is why the best answer points to the utility or incident command coordinating the de-energization.