Where are defensive firefighting operations conducted from?

Defensive firefighting operations are typically conducted from the exterior of a structure or an area affected by fire. This approach is employed when conditions are deemed unsafe for interior firefighting or when the fire is too large to be controlled from within. Being outside allows firefighters to use equipment and tactics that can effectively suppress the fire from a safer distance, minimizing risks to personnel.

In these operations, firefighters often focus on protecting surrounding structures and preventing the fire from spreading further, rather than engaging it directly. This strategy can involve the use of aerial devices, fire lines, and water streams directed at the flames from a safe perimeter. The goal is to establish control over the fire while minimizing exposure to potential hazards like structural collapse or flashover that may occur inside a burning building.