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The incident commander is the proper authority to shut down a sprinkler system during a fire or emergency situation. This role is crucial because the incident commander is responsible for the overall management of the incident, including safety, resources, and tactical operations. In situations where a sprinkler system may need to be turned off—for instance, to allow firefighters access to certain areas or if the system is malfunctioning—the incident commander evaluates the situation and makes informed decisions to ensure both the safety of personnel and the effectiveness of the response.

While the fire chief oversees the entire fire department and could provide guidance, the incident commander is the one on the scene with immediate authority to take action. The building owner may have responsibilities regarding the building's permanent systems but generally does not have direct authority in an active emergency response. Similarly, the safety officer’s focus is on ensuring that safety measures are in place during operations, rather than making decisions about the operational status of fire protection systems like sprinklers.