How should you protect an exposed building when fighting a fire on the 3rd floor of an adjoining structure?

Directing hose lines onto the fire below and the windows of the exposure building is essential for effectively protecting the exposed structure. This method serves multiple purposes. First, it helps to control and extinguish the fire in the adjacent building, preventing it from spreading. By attacking the flames directly, firefighters can reduce the heat intensity and protect nearby structures from being ignited.

Additionally, directing water onto the windows of the exposure building creates a barrier of steam and moisture. This can help to cool down the exterior of the exposed building and potentially prevent any flames or embers from reaching it, reducing the overall risk of fire spread.

In contrast, placing hose lines on the ground would not provide adequate coverage or control over the fire, while ignoring the exposure building would leave it vulnerable to ignition. Evacuating from the exposed building, while sometimes necessary, does not actively protect it from fire damage and does not engage in the firefighting efforts needed to secure both buildings. Thus, directing hose lines is a proactive approach to safeguarding the exposed structure during a firefighting operation.