An Incident Response System (IRS) in disaster response is a standardized, scalable management framework using common facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications to coordinate diverse agencies during emergencies (natural or man-made). Its core purpose is to replace ad-hoc reactions with an organized structure, defining clear roles like Incident Commander (IC) and section chiefs for Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance, ensuring better communication, accountability, and efficient resource management to reduce chaos and achieve objectives. 

National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India published guidelines on IRS in the year 2010.

The State of West Bengal adapted IRS vide notification No 2535-RL/O/EOC/7M-163/2014, Dated- 21.07.2017.