Where does the heaviest fire burn typically occur on the exterior of a structure?

The heaviest fire burn on the exterior of a structure typically occurs at the area of origin. This is because fires generate heat, smoke, and flames that tend to propagate from the initial ignition point, affecting that area most severely. The fire may spread and affect other parts of the building, but the source of ignition is usually where the fire's intensity is highest due to the direct involvement of combustible materials.

For example, if a fire starts in a room filled with flammable materials, the surrounding area will experience the most extreme conditions as the fire grows and spreads from that point. Firefighters are trained to identify this area during their response and attack strategy, focusing on minimizing damage by addressing the ignition source. Understanding fire behavior is crucial for effective containment and prevention of further spread, which highlights the significance of recognizing the area of origin in fire situations.