Which of the following describes a cantilever collapse?

A cantilever collapse refers to a specific type of structural failure that occurs when a portion of a building extends beyond its support without being secured at one end. In essence, this type of collapse takes place when the unsupported end of a structure experiences excessive loads or weakening, causing it to fail. Understanding this concept is crucial for firefighters, as it impacts safety considerations during fire response and rescue operations, especially when assessing the integrity of a building.

The other descriptions represent different types of structural failures that do not capture the nature of a cantilever collapse. For instance, a collapse where the building's entire structure folds inward refers to a different structural failure mechanism. Similarly, the concept of floors falling onto each other aligns more with progressive collapses, while the mention of explosion hazards pertains to a completely different set of risks in building collapses. Recognizing the distinct characteristics of various types of collapses aids in better understanding structural safety and risk management on the job.