Which statement correctly describes the three operation zones?

• A. Hot zone - staging area; Warm zone - rescue; Cold zone - decon.
• B. Hot zone - administrative area; Warm zone - medical; Cold zone - equipment storage.
• C. Hot zone - where the rescue is taking place; Warm zone - support and decon; Cold zone - staging vehicles and command post.
• D. Hot zone - medical treatment; Warm zone - base of operations; Cold zone - free passage.

Answer: (C)

Focusing on how three operation zones work is about containing hazards while keeping the rescue and support functions orderly. The hot zone is the area where the actual rescue work happens and where the danger and victims are located; only trained personnel in proper protective gear enter this zone. The warm zone surrounds the hot zone and serves as a buffer where decontamination and support activities occur, including equipment prep and passage between hot and cold zones. The cold zone is the safe area where incident command, vehicle and resource staging, and non-contaminated medical or administrative tasks take place.

This description matches the statement that places the hot zone where the rescue takes place, the warm zone for support and decon, and the cold zone for staging vehicles and the command post. Other descriptions mix up these roles—placing administrative tasks or staging in the hot zone, or placing command functions in the warm zone—which does not align with how the zones are intended to protect responders and organize operations.