What defines a warm zone at an emergency incident?

A warm zone at an emergency incident is best defined as a transitional area that is less hazardous than the hot zone, which is the immediate area where the most dangerous conditions exist. In this context, the warm zone serves as a buffer between the high-risk hot zone and the safer cold zone. It allows for the management of personnel and resources while still maintaining some degree of safety. Here, responders can prepare for entry into the hot zone, conduct rehabilitation, or perform initial assessments without the immediate threats present in the more dangerous areas.

This concept is crucial for incident command and maintaining safety protocols, as it ensures that personnel are not continually exposed to high risks while still being close enough to respond to emergencies effectively. The warm zone is typically established based on the situation's risk assessment, ensuring a clear delineation between areas of different hazards.