According to the NFPA 1710 standard, what is the recommended personnel configuration for structural firefighting?

The NFPA 1710 standard outlines the recommended personnel configuration for structural firefighting to ensure both the effectiveness of the operation and the safety of firefighters. The guideline of "two in, two out" establishes that a minimum of two firefighters enter a burning structure to conduct an interior attack while a minimum of two additional firefighters remain outside to provide support, perform accountability measures, and conduct a rescue if needed.

This configuration allows for a safe and efficient approach, ensuring that while two firefighters are potentially exposed to life-threatening situations inside a hazardous environment, there are still adequately trained personnel outside who can respond immediately in case of an emergency or if the interior team requires assistance. This rule not only aims to protect the firefighters but also enhances teamwork and operational effectiveness during a fire incident.

The focus on having two personnel inside and two outside promotes a balance between engaging the fire directly and maintaining a safety net, which is critical in high-risk situations such as structural firefighting.