On which floor should attack lines be connected when utilizing a standpipe system?

When utilizing a standpipe system, attack lines should generally be connected on the floor below the fire floor. This practice allows firefighters to maintain a safe position from the immediate danger of the fire while still being able to effectively engage and combat it. By connecting on the floor below, firefighters can minimize the risk of encountering heavy smoke, heat, and flames that are often present on the fire floor itself.

Moreover, this strategy facilitates better visibility and safer egress for firefighters as they coordinate their attack. It also helps to ensure that the water supply from the standpipe is more effectively utilized, as hoses can be managed more easily when they originate from a level below the fire.

Options suggesting connecting on the fire floor or above the fire floor could expose firefighters to heightened risks, including rapid fire progression, lack of adequate water supply pressure, and challenges in quickly escaping if conditions worsen. Connecting on the bottom floor could significantly delay firefighting efforts as firefighters would have to navigate through more floors, potentially losing precious time in fire control efforts.