Why should safety zones not be in chimneys or narrow canyons?

Safety zones are critical areas that provide a refuge for firefighters during a fire event, where they can remain safe from the heat and flames. Placing safety zones in chimneys or narrow canyons poses significant risks primarily due to the challenging escape routes that these locations can present.

In such confined spaces, an unexpected shift in fire behavior, such as a sudden flare-up or change in wind direction, can trap firefighters with limited options for retreat. Narrow canyons may also restrict the movement of firefighters and equipment, making it difficult to maneuver or evacuate quickly if the situation escalates. In contrast, safety zones should be located in open, flat terrain where firefighters can easily access them and where multiple escape routes are available if needed. This ensures that they can quickly and safely distance themselves from the approaching fire.

The other considerations like limited visibility, lack of access for equipment, and increased risk of wildfire spread, while important safety factors, are secondary to the critical nature of having a viable escape route in emergencies. Thus, the primary reason for avoiding chasms or narrow canyons for safety zones relates to the problematic escape routes these areas present in a wildfire scenario.