Book excerpt: Safe and effective structural firefighting requires a complex thought process. It is not a simple matter of “how to.” Decisions depend on many factors, from the type of building, to the likelihood of occupancy, to the water supply. The third edition of Structural Firefighting: Strategy and Tactics leads readers through all phases of planning, evaluation and implementation to enable them to effectively manage structure fire incidents safe and effective manner, regardless of size or complexity. The third edition has been revised to thoroughly cover the practical applications and limitations of the latest research from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).