What is the "collapse zone" around a building that has been severely damaged by fire?

The collapse zone around a building that has been severely damaged by fire is determined to be one and one-half times the height of the building. This distance is established to ensure the safety of firefighters and others in the vicinity, as it accounts for the potential for falling debris and the unpredictable nature of structural collapse in burning buildings.

By maintaining a zone that is one and one-half times the height of the building, emergency responders can avoid areas where pieces of the structure could fall if the building were to lose integrity and collapse, thereby reducing the risk of injury or fatalities. This principle is essential in fireground operations to provide a safe working environment while conducting firefighting and rescue operations. Understanding this concept is crucial for effective incident management and risk assessment during fire incidents.