If interior attack is not feasible, which approach protects exposures?

• A. Defensive strategy, protect exposures, and create barriers to flame spread.
• B. Ventilate and re-enter immediately.
• C. Abandon protective measures.
• D. Rely solely on urban water supply.

Answer: (A)

When interior attack isn't feasible, the priority becomes a defensive strategy aimed at protecting exposures and preventing flame spread. This approach focuses on keeping the fire from advancing to nearby structures or contents, using exterior streams and barriers to cool and control the flames, and creating compartmentalization (closing doors, sealing openings) to limit heat and smoke. The goal is to contain the fire at its origin and safeguard adjacent exposures, rather than risking firefighter lives by forcing entry under unsafe conditions. Ventilating and re-entering immediately can worsen conditions and endanger teams if the interior remains untenable. Abandoning protective measures would compromise safety and property protection, and relying solely on urban water supply ignores the need for strategic control of the fire and protection of exposures from outside.