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# Overloaded floors Constantly observe the floor loading to see whether it poses a risk of collapsing to the floor below. Heavy equipment, water-absorbent stock, and built-up water are all prime indicators of potential collapse. # Heavy fire burning for more than 20 minutes A quick glance at the...

# Overloaded floors Constantly observe the floor loading to see whether it poses a risk of collapsing to the floor below. Heavy equipment, water-absorbent stock, and built-up water are all prime indicators of potential collapse. # Heavy fire burning for more than 20 minutes A quick glance at the structure may not indicate the extent of the fire or how long it has been burning, but if heavy fire is obvious and you haven't put it out in 20 minutes, you should consider withdrawing your forces. When the first members come out of the building with their low-air pressure alarms ringing, it is time to make a decision. Their reports on what is happening can give you some guidance. If they say that most of the fire has been knocked down, you can probably let them continue extinguishment. However, if they say that they can't find the seat of the fire, or that they haven't been able to put a big dent in it, start to pull them out. The fire has outflanked you or it is bigger than you, or both. This is a guide rather than a hard-and-fast rule, but it tends to be on the conservative side. Remember that the 20-minute time frame doesn't begin on your arrival, but rather when the fire reaches the open, flaming stage or flashover. Even the 20-minute time limit is too long for fires involving lightweight construction. In this event, a 5-minute time limit might be appropriate, which may mean no entry at all if your response