In which zone is the RIC standby located?

The Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) standby is located in the warm zone. This area serves as a transition space between the hot zone, where the immediate hazards are present, and the cold zone, where operations are safe and command functions take place. The primary purpose of RIC is to ensure that assistance is readily available in the event that a firefighter becomes trapped or incapacitated in the hot zone.

In the warm zone, RIC can maintain communication with crews operating in the hot zone, assess conditions, and prepare to enter if necessary. This positioning allows them to respond quickly while remaining out of the most hazardous environment. The warm zone's role in establishing a safe proximity to the action, combined with the capability to deploy promptly, reinforces the overall safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations.

In contrast, the hot zone is where active fire suppression or hazardous conditions occur, making it unsafe for secondary teams without specific assignments. The cold zone is removed from immediate hazards, focusing on logistics and support functions, which would not be suitable for a RIC that must be poised for quick action.