One of our local fire chiefs, when there is a major incident, does not go to the command post. He lets the BC remain the IC. Instead, he establishes an "observation post", where he and the mayor and the press and others who want to be in on the action, but would only be in the way are allowed to gather. He will listen to the radio traffic, translate it for the elected officials and the media, explain why things are being done in a certain way, etc. Privately, he will admit that his BC's are better trained and equipped to handle incidents than he is, and he feels that his role is to keep people out of the way of his people who are actually doing the work.

Also, at least in California, the press is allowed inside any emergency scene (provided they are advised of possible dangers) except for a crime scene. So, fire will usually request police to respond and declare a "possible crime scene" to keep the media back. After all, one never really knows if that school bus accident was a crime or not until long after everyone is transported and the bus is towed away. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />