Amp wiring, distribution block

Hi, Im planning my install in my 2000 S-10 and there isnt much area under the carpeting to hide the wires.  I was planning on running a 4 ga wire thru the firewall to the distribution block and then then run 8ga wire from the block to the amps.

Does the distribution block have to be close to the amps? Can I put the distribution block under the dash so I dont have to run the large 4 ga wire under the rug?

I know the main fuse has to be like 1 foot form the battery so if there is a short, the wire will burn from the battery back.  With the distribution block, will the same apply?

I there waa to be a short in one of my smaller 8 ga wires, and my distribution block is under the dash, will the wires burn back from the main battery, or from the distribution black to the fuses in the amp?

Thanks in Advance....

You can put the distro block anywhere it fits best in your installation.  Use a fused block, as the fusing will protect the 8 gauge wires leading out to the amps.  If you were using an unfused distro block, you would have to install fuse holders in the wires just as you are doing at the battery.  And BTW, the fuse blows so that the wire doesn't burn!  Because, a burning wire turns into a burning car in very short order...

The fuse is placed close to the power source (battery) to protect the length of wire in which it is placed.  The fuse at the battery will protect the 4 ga. wire;  the fuses in the distro block will protect the 8 ga. wires.  Those distro block fuses are in the 8 ga. wires at the closest place to the power source, i.e., in the block itself.