Which hazard is of particular concern with fires involving stacked or piled material?

Fires involving stacked or piled material present a significant risk of collapse due to the unstable nature of the arrangement. As materials burn, their structural integrity can weaken, leading to a failure of the stack. Firefighters must be particularly cautious in these situations as a sudden collapse can pose serious risks to their safety and effectiveness of firefighting efforts. The heavy materials involved can create additional hazards, not only for firefighters on the scene but also for individuals nearby. Addressing and mitigating the risks associated with stack collapse is essential during operations to ensure safety and successful incident management.

Other hazards, like rekindle, interference with sprinkler systems, and toxic exposure are also important considerations, but the immediate threat of a structural collapse in stacked materials is a critical focus during fire response.