In a fire emergency, which floor(s) should be evacuated first due to the threat of fire spread?

Evacuating the fire floor and all floors above it is crucial due to the dynamics of fire spread in a building. Heat and smoke from a fire typically rise, which means that the upper floors can quickly become dangerous due to convection currents. By evacuating the fire floor and all immediately adjacent upper floors, you reduce the risk of occupants being trapped by advancing fire and smoke.

This approach also considers that the flames and toxic smoke can travel through open spaces, such as stairwells and ventilation systems, affecting areas that might seem safe at first glance. Prioritizing these floors helps ensure the safety of those still inside the building and provides a more controlled evacuation route.

In contrast, other options may include evacuating floors that do not face the same immediate threat, which could unnecessarily prolong the evacuation of those at higher risk and create confusion about which areas are safest to exit.