What is a common characteristic of commercial fires that requires special tactics?

Commercial fires often occur in large areas, which is a significant characteristic that necessitates special tactics. These large spaces can present unique challenges such as extended travel distances for firefighters, increased volumes of fire load, and potential for rapid fire spread. Additionally, the layout of commercial buildings typically includes open floor plans, high ceilings, and possibly the presence of various structures like warehouses or retail spaces that can complicate the firefighting effort. The size of the area can also affect ventilation strategies and resource allocation.

In contrast, single occupancy spaces tend to focus on residential fires or smaller buildings, which usually do not require the same level of tactical considerations for scale and resource management. Residential-like features in commercial buildings may imply some familiarity in handling the fires but do not address the inherent challenges posed by larger commercial spaces. Finally, low height does not often apply to commercial structures, as many are designed to be taller, thus further promoting the need for specialized tactics when dealing with fires in such environments.