Which of the following is not a viable way for a 2nd due inside team to access the floor above the fire?

Accessing the floor above a fire is critical for a 2nd due inside team, and understanding the options available is vital for effective firefighting operations. The party wall balcony is not considered a viable way to access the floor above the fire for several reasons.

Party wall balconies can often be narrow and may not provide adequate space or safety for firefighters to navigate effectively, especially in high-stress conditions during an active fire. Moreover, these balconies might not lead directly to the stairwell or provide a proper route to the floor above. There might be structural concerns about the balcony’s integrity, and it may also be obstructed by smoke or flames, making it an unreliable access point.

In contrast, the interior stairwell is a standard and reliable means of accessing upper floors, fire escapes can often allow for direct access from outside of the building to upper floors, and ladder access is commonly used by fire services to reach higher stories, especially in multi-story buildings. Thus, while these methods provide feasible routes to the floor above, the party wall balcony does not meet the necessary criteria for a safe and efficient access point in an emergency situation.