What is the first functional area usually established under the operations division at larger incidents?

The first functional area typically established under the operations division at larger incidents is staging. Staging is crucial because it involves the strategic placement of resources and personnel in a designated area close to the incident scene. This ensures that units can be deployed quickly and efficiently when needed, facilitating a more organized response to the situation at hand.

While a command post is important as it serves as the central hub for decision-making and coordination during an incident, staging focuses specifically on the immediate readiness of responding units. The operations center generally refers to a larger scaled area for coordination as well, but this usually comes into play after staging has been set. The tactical zone encompasses specific areas where operations are conducted but is typically established as part of the broader operational plan following the initial setup of staging. Thus, staging plays a pivotal role in the effective management of resources and is often the first area established to ensure smooth operations during an incident.