Which section is responsible for assessing the incident's impact and determining resource needs?

The Planning Section is crucial during an emergency incident as it is primarily responsible for assessing the incident's impact and determining the necessary resources to address the situation effectively. This section collects, evaluates, and disseminates information regarding the incident, which includes analyzing the current status and projecting future needs. By maintaining situational awareness and understanding the incident dynamics, the Planning Section can develop an Incident Action Plan (IAP) that outlines objectives, strategies, and the resources required to manage the response.

Additionally, the Planning Section ensures that the response efforts are aligned with the overall goals and objectives, making it pivotal in resource allocation and decision-making processes. This focus on assessment and resource determination is essential for effective incident management and aids in optimizing the use of available resources to mitigate the incident's impact.