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Why were firefighters delayed from entering the burning Mount Carmel compound?
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Branch Davidian
Flames engulfing the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, ending a standoff with federal agents, April 19, 1993.
Following the start of the fire at the Mount Carmel compound on April 19, 1993, firefighters were delayed from entering the area for 15 minutes due to safety concerns. By the time they were permitted to enter, the fire had progressed to the point where the compound was beyond saving.1