When should air support be initiated in munitions firefighting?

Air support in munitions firefighting should be initiated when ground resources are insufficient. This decision is driven by the need to effectively manage and control the fire situation in scenarios where the fire's intensity or scale exceeds the capabilities of the available ground firefighting personnel and equipment.

In munitions firefighting, the complexities of dealing with potentially explosive materials require rapid and robust response measures. Air support, such as the use of aerial water drops or fire retardants, can significantly enhance extinguishing efforts where ground units may be overwhelmed or unable to reach the affected areas safely.

Other conditions, such as nighttime operations, while potentially complicating visibility and safety, do not inherently dictate the need for air support. The status of local hospitals or the completion of evacuations, while important considerations in emergency management, are not direct indicators for the need to initiate air support. The critical factor is ensuring that adequate resources are available to combat the fire effectively, which directly relates to the sufficiency of ground resources.