How did the exterior appearance of the building differ from its actual condition?

The exterior appearance of the building being structurally sound suggests that it did not display visible indicators of problems or weaknesses that firefighters would typically be trained to assess. In scenarios involving potential structural failures, it's critical for firefighters to be aware that a building may look stable while actually harboring significant hazards, such as hidden damage, poor structural integrity, or even fire involvement not evident from the outside.

This understanding underscores the importance of conducting thorough inspections and utilizing appropriate tools and techniques to verify a building's actual condition, rather than relying solely on visual assessments. It emphasizes the potential disconnect between appearance and reality, highlighting why ongoing training and situational awareness are fundamental in fire department operations to ensure safety when engaging with structures that may seem safe at first glance.