When valuables are found during operations, to whom should the Incident Commander turn them over?

The Incident Commander should turn over valuables found during operations to the Fire Investigative Unit because this unit is specifically trained to handle evidence and valuables in a way that preserves their integrity for potential investigation or claim by the owners. The Fire Investigative Unit has the necessary protocols in place to properly document and secure items found at an incident scene. They ensure that the chain of custody is maintained, which is crucial for any items that may be part of a legal investigation or insurance claim.

Turning over valuables to this unit helps to uphold accountability and transparency throughout the incident management process. This minimizes the risk of misplacement or mishandling of the items and allows for proper procedures to be followed in returning them to their rightful owners after the incident has been resolved.

In contrast, the other options, such as the Safety Chief, Public Information Officer, or holding onto the items personally, do not align with best practices for managing found property or evidence during an incident, as they lack the specific training or responsibility to manage such items appropriately.