What is one key difference between garden apartments/townhouses and most other dwellings?

The key distinction that sets garden apartments and townhouses apart from many other dwelling types is their attached nature. Garden apartments and townhouses are typically designed as multiple living units that share walls with adjacent units, promoting more efficient land use and often allowing for shared amenities. This structural design provides both advantages and challenges in terms of fire spread, access for emergency services, and evacuation strategies.

In contrast, many single-family homes or detached dwellings are stand-alone structures with separate yards, allowing for easier access around the building and potentially less risk of fire spreading between units. Understanding the implications of this attached configuration is crucial for fire officers, as it influences tactics such as ventilation, fire containment strategies, and the overall safety plan in case of emergencies.