An abandoned building is fully involved in fire. Which type of operation is appropriate?

In the scenario of an abandoned building that is fully involved in fire, the appropriate type of operation is defensive. A defensive operation is characterized by the focus on protecting exposures and controlling the fire from a safe distance rather than attempting to extinguish it directly. This approach minimizes risk to firefighters and allows for the management of the situation without placing them in harm’s way.

When a structure is fully involved, the fire is typically too advanced to safely conduct an offensive attack, where firefighters would enter the building to fight the fire from within. In addition, direct and transitional strategies would also be inappropriate because they generally require initial control over the fire and an ability to approach it closely, which is not feasible in this case due to the total involvement of the structure.

Therefore, a defensive operation prioritizes safety while effectively managing the fire and protecting any nearby structures from the spread of the fire. This strategy is especially crucial in abandoned structures, where unknown hazards may exist, further reinforcing the decision to take a defensive stance.