What is the primary document the outgoing Incident Commander should provide to ensure a smooth transfer to the new Incident Commander?

The primary document that the outgoing Incident Commander should provide to ensure a smooth transfer to the new Incident Commander is a briefing. This is crucial because a briefing allows for the transfer of critical information regarding the incident, including current status, resource allocation, ongoing operations, and any unresolved issues. The outgoing Incident Commander can convey insights and the context of the situation, which aids the incoming Incident Commander in making informed decisions quickly.

A briefing is structured to encompass all necessary details that need to be communicated in a concise manner, making it highly effective for transitions in leadership during an incident. It serves not only as a tool for information transfer but also helps in establishing continuity and maintaining the operational tempo of the incident response.

Other options such as a report, summary, or guide do not provide the immediate, interactive communication that a briefing offers. Reports and summaries may be more formal or detailed documents but lack the conversational element essential for a seamless transition. A guide could offer procedures or policies but would not be tailored to the current incident specifics as effectively as a briefing.