What is commonly a characteristic of a townhouse in relation to other residential structures?

A townhouse is typically characterized by being attached to other similar residential structures. This design often allows for shared walls between units, fostering an efficient use of land in urban or densely populated areas. Townhouses are usually part of a row of homes that share architectural features and are built in close proximity to one another, differentiating them from single-family detached homes which have their own plots of land.

The shared wall construction is significant for understanding their fire risks, as fire can spread from one unit to another through these common walls. This aspect highlights the importance of firefighting tactics specific to attached structures, including the need for coordinated ventilation and potentially different approaches to fire suppression and rescue operations compared to standalone homes.

In contrast, large yards and multiple entrances are not defining features of townhouses. A large yard would typically be more associated with single-family homes, while townhouses often have smaller outdoor spaces. Additionally, while some townhouses may feature multiple entrances, it is not a characteristic that distinguishes them from other attached residential structures, such as apartments.