Preventing Deaths & Injuries to Firefighters by Establishing Collapse Zones at Structure Fires

Firefighters are at significant risk for injury or death due to structural collapse during firefighting operations. Structural collapse often occurs without warning. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that the Incident Commander establish defensive operations and collapse zones when there is potential for a structural collapse during fire-fighting operations.

Preventing Deaths and Injuries to Fire Fighters by Establishing Collapse Zones at Structure Fires [PDF – 722 KB]