What is a danger associated with extinguishing fires in stacked piles?

The danger associated with extinguishing fires in stacked piles is primarily the risk of collapse. When dealing with stacked materials, the structure of the pile can be unstable, especially once materials start to burn and are subsequently cooled with water or other extinguishing agents. This cooling can cause the remaining materials to shift, leading to a sudden collapse of the pile. Firefighters must be particularly cautious because the falling debris can pose significant risks to their safety.

In addition to the physical danger of material collapse, the lack of visibility and chaotic conditions can exacerbate the situation during firefighting efforts. This hazard is why firefighters need to employ careful strategies when approaching fires involving stacked materials, often assessing the risk before engaging directly and using tactics such as creating barriers or using drones for aerial assessment when available.