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Stage multiple safety officers to watch for collapse hazards

An ideal collapse zone is set up to be at a minimum 1.5 times the height of the building to provide a large enough buffer zone

The collapse zone is set up to be at a minimum 1.5 times the height of the building to provide a large enough buffer zone for fire personnel working around the building. Sometimes this cannot be accomplished due to the height of the building and the exposures located close by.

Staging multiple safety officers at different spots around the building will help to keep an eye on changing conditions, and they can warn personnel of the impending danger. Their second set of eyes will help with early notification to others. It’s also important for everyone on the fireground to maintain situational awareness at all times.

Read more: Video: Church fires present unique collapse zone dangers

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