Which scenario requires a defensive attack strategy?

A defensive attack strategy is employed when the fire has escalated to a stage where it poses a significant risk to life, property, and the firefighting team itself. In the case of a fully involved structure fire, the intensity of the fire is at a level where the risk of collapse and the potential for spreading the fire to adjoining structures increases dramatically. Firefighters must prioritize their safety and the protection of nearby properties, often using water streams from a distance and focusing on containing the fire instead of attempting to extinguish it directly.

When a fire is contained to just one room, an interior attack may still be viable. Smoldering conditions without visible flames can usually be approached with less aggressive tactics. Similarly, scenarios involving only small amounts of smoke generally indicate a less critical situation that allows for a more measured response. In summary, the need for a defensive attack is clearly dictated by the severity of the fire, which is most certainly present when the structure is fully involved.