Wind impact on fire fighting
Hello;
I am a Fire Officer working in Canada. Your post is very interesting. It is critical for the pilot, when able, to stop and position his (her) aicraft into the wind when the aircraft might be threatened by an outside fire. It is one of the most important factor that could ensure the occupants survivability. By doing so the flames and smoke will pushed towards the back of the aircraft freeing exits (at least front and over wing ones) and keeping flames away from the skin of the aircraft. It allows the foam stream from the ARFF vehicles to carry the product further and to be more effective. Also it makes our job easier because it allows us not to push the fire towards the fuselage (foam stream displaces huge volumes of air - 10000 cubic feet / min) and the stream will be applied lengthwise in relation to the aircraft.
Some airports would like you to vacate the runway asap to keep business running but often it is not in your best interest. I strongly suggest that you take the time to meet your friendly airport fire fighters from time to time and discuss these issues further.
Good Day.