What must an operator do if ordered by a Fire Dept. Official in Command?

When an operator receives an order from a Fire Department Official in Command, the appropriate action is to comply with the order. This requirement stems from the authority granted to fire officials during emergency situations. Fire Department officials are trained to assess hazards and manage safety effectively, making their directives crucial to ensuring public safety and efficient emergency response.

Complying with such orders helps maintain a coordinated response during critical incidents. This is essential for effective firefighting and rescue operations, which often involve multiple agencies working together. Not following these orders could lead to confusion, inefficiency, or even exacerbate a dangerous situation.

In comparison to the other choices, refusal based on personal judgment or safety concerns could undermine operational integrity. Only complying when not observed diminishes the responsibility of the operator in a high-stakes scenario, and seeking legal advice in the midst of an emergency could delay crucial actions that need to be taken immediately. Therefore, the directive to comply with the order is both a matter of operational protocol and a necessary component of effective emergency management.