When positioning apparatus at an incident, the most desirable position is usually:

The most desirable position for fire apparatus at an incident is upwind and uphill. This positioning takes advantage of several critical safety considerations. Being upwind helps to minimize exposure to smoke, toxic gases, and other hazardous materials that may be emitted from the incident, such as a fire or hazardous material release. This ensures that the personnel operating the apparatus and those nearby are less likely to inhale harmful substances.

Positioning the apparatus uphill also reduces the risk of the vehicle being trapped by a potential fire or flow of hazardous materials that could move downhill. It provides a strategic advantage for accessing the incident scene while allowing operators a clear line of sight to monitor the situation.

Furthermore, being upwind and uphill allows for easier and safer egress if conditions worsen, and crews can maintain a proper tactical advantage when working on the incident. Overall, this approach prioritizes safety for both responders and civilians, while allowing for effective response operations.