In high-rise firefighting, what is the main concern with falling glass?

Falling glass poses a significant safety hazard to both firefighters and civilians during high-rise firefighting operations. High-rise structures often feature large glass windows, and when intense heat from a fire causes these windows to shatter, shards of glass can fall from considerable heights. This creates a dangerous situation where firefighters below may be at risk of injury, as well as civilians on the street level or in nearby buildings.

Understanding this hazard is critical for developing effective strategies to protect both personnel and bystanders during firefighting efforts. While falling glass may indeed pose other potential concerns, such as blocking exits or damaging equipment, the primary immediate danger it presents is the risk of injury due to sharp and potentially deadly shards raining down. This emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and safety protocols when operating in high-rise environments.