Why didn't anyone stand ten feet away during a Saturn launch? Saturn V, most people with any sense won't even stand within ten feet of a model rocket once it's lit. Just imagine what damage would be caused by a fully-fueled Saturn containing millions of pounds of propellant should anything go awry. You might want to read up on the Nedelin Disaster or the second N-1 launch (number 5L, I believe) if you want any evidence of how catastrophic launch pad disasters can be.