In FLSI, what is meant by 'population at risk'?

• A. People living away from fire risk areas.
• B. People who work in fire departments only.
• C. People who are immune to hazards.
• D. People most likely to be harmed by fire or hazards, including children, elderly, disabled, and occupants in high-risk occupancies.

Answer: (D)

Population at risk refers to the group of people most likely to be harmed by fire or hazards, due to vulnerability or dependence on others. This includes children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, and occupants in high‑risk occupancies where evacuation is more challenging. Recognizing these groups guides safety planning and prioritizes protections such as accessible exits, alert systems with multiple modalities, and targeted evacuation planning. The other options don’t fit because living away from risk areas reduces exposure, fire department workers are responders (not the general “population at risk” in planning terms), and there’s no real concept of immunity to hazards.