Which of the following indicates that an exterior search should be performed for occupant location?

• A. The building is unoccupied and no smoke is seen.
• B. There are no occupants reported and no movement seen.
• C. Heavy smoke or heat alone justifies interior search.
• D. Reports of occupants or visible movement from windows; heavy smoke or heat indicating potential occupant presence.

Answer: (D)

Exterior searches are used when there are clear signs that occupants may be inside and need to be located from outside to guide interior operations. If someone reports that occupants are inside or you can see movement from windows, plus heavy smoke or extreme heat that suggests people could be present behind doors or in a room, you should perform an exterior search to locate them. Heavy smoke or heat alone does not automatically justify exterior searching; it becomes a strong cue for potential occupant presence when paired with reports or visible movement. The combination of reports or visible movement and signs of potential occupant presence best indicates the need for an exterior search.