How far should apparatus park during a trench collapse?

When responding to a trench collapse, it's critical for safety reasons to maintain a safe distance between fire apparatus and the trench area. The recommended distance is 100 feet, which is established by safety standards to provide a margin that helps prevent potential secondary collapses and allows for the safe operation of rescue equipment and personnel.

Trench collapses can be unpredictable, and soil conditions may change rapidly, affecting stability. By parking the apparatus at this distance, emergency responders can ensure a safe working environment for personnel conducting rescue operations while also reducing the risk of the apparatus being impacted by falling debris or further collapse. This guideline aligns with best practices in trench rescue operations and emphasizes the importance of safety during incident response.