Where should firefighters park if a building has been exposed to severe fire conditions?

When responding to a building that has been exposed to severe fire conditions, parking outside of the building's collapse zone is critically important for ensuring the safety of firefighters and their equipment. The collapse zone refers to the area surrounding a building that is at risk of collapse, which could result from intense heat, structural damage, or ongoing firefighting activities.

By positioning apparatus and personnel outside of this zone, firefighters reduce the risk of injury from falling debris or the potential for an unexpected structural failure. This approach allows firefighters to effectively engage in rescue and firefighting operations while maintaining a safe distance from hazardous conditions.

Parking within 20 feet of the building or inside the collapse zone significantly increases the likelihood of harm, as firefighters could be directly in the path of falling materials. Similarly, parking on the opposite side of the street may limit accessibility and impede operations, especially if quick access to the building is needed. Therefore, maintaining a safe distance by parking outside the collapse zone is both a precautionary and tactical decision in fireground operations.