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FIRE GROUND SAFETY INITIATIVE -Standard Operating Guideline- -Number-

High Rise Fire Operations SOG # 008

Date Approved by the Fire Chiefs Association: 5-8-18 Date Last Revised: 2-26-18 Next Revision Date: 2021

Review Date: SOG shall be reviewed by the AHJ annually

Purpose This standard operating guideline (SOG) has been developed as a supplement to the First Alarm Structure Fire SOG. The intent of this document is to provide safe, effective, and efficient direction toward mitigating a high-rise structure fire. This operating guideline will coordinate all essential fire ground functions in a standardized format to ensure consistent fire ground proficiency. The incident commander may deviate from these recommendations to fit the particular incident and conditions that may be encountered.

Scope This SOG is applicable to all buildings having four (4) floors or more, or any occupied floor(s) located more than seventy-five (75) feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Priorities Fire ground operations will be based on the same priorities as a First Alarm Structure Fire:

• To Save Human Life. • To Conserve Property. • To Minimize Impacts to the Environment.

Strategic and tactical decisions must take into consideration the unique hazards of a high-rise structure fire:

• Longer occupant egress times and distances. • Complex evacuations. • Limited fire department apparatus placement and building access. • Complex smoke movement. • Complex fire control.

Due to the resources of the St. Louis County fire agencies, initial functions are not assigned according to apparatus type (Truck or Engine). These functions are assigned in this standard operating guideline in relation to function prioritization and apparatus arrival order. Each company arriving on the fire ground shall report with tools specific for tasks and job functions specified by this standard operating guideline or assigned by the incident commander.

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Key Elements High Rise Command Positions - (Checklists in Appendix A)

1. Incident Commander • Safety • Unified Command Liaison • Water Supply • PIO

2. Logistics a. Support

• Lobby • Systems • Base • Ground Support • Supply

b. Service • Communications • Rehabilitation

3. Operations

• Fire Division • EMS Division • RIC • Search & Rescue • Evacuation

4. Staging

• Accountability • Recycling

Procedures Response Levels -

1. Refer to the Standards of response SOG Company Assignments –

1. First Arriving Company a. Conduct an initial size-up of the incident per the 1st Alarm SOG, including the

location of sprinkler and standpipe connections and establishing command. b. If smoke or fire is visible from the exterior, attempt to note the floor level.

Immediately request that the alarm be upgraded to a working high-rise fire (3rd alarm response).

c. The driver shall position the apparatus to supply the sprinkler / standpipe connection from a hydrant.

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d. On buildings with no standpipes, an aerial equipped apparatus should be considered for use as an aerial water supply. Other aerial apparatus shall be positioned for the best use of the ladder.

e. Obtain the keys from the key box and verify alarm location at the Fire Control Panel. f. Enter the building bringing the Standard Standpipe Equipment. g. Fire attack lines shall be supplied in the following order of preference.

• Standpipe. Refer to the Standpipe SOG. • Aerial standpipe. • Rope hoisted hose.

2. Second Arriving Company

a. The Primary Objective is Water Supply / Supporting Initial Attack Line / IRIC b. Verify the 1st arriving company has established a water supply. If not, assist with

the completion of the task. c. Verify the sprinkler/standpipe systems are being supplied. If not, assist with the

completion of the task. d. Enter the building bringing the Standard Standpipe Equipment.

3. Third arriving Company or Available Truck Company

a. The Primary Objective is Initial Truck Company Operations (Fire floor activities) b. Consider positioning an aerial apparatus to provide access to the fire floor (when

possible) or to provide aerial water supply. c. Conducting fire floor support operations:

• Ensure evacuation stairwell is clear of smoke. • Conduct search and rescue. • Consider stack effect on ventilation. • All ventilation should be coordinated through the IC. • Windows shall not be broken without the permission of the IC. • Consider shelter in place protection of occupants. • Use uninvolved rooms or stairwells. • Assist with locating the fire.

d. Consider rear / additional forcible entry.

4. Fourth Arriving Company a. Advance the line to the floor above the fire in multi-story buildings. Refer to the

Standpipe Operations SOG. b. Establish a secondary water supply. c. Considerations for secondary water supply situations, include:

• Multiple attack lines/streams. • Heavy fire load and building size. • Defensive / Master stream operations. • Exposure challenges.

5. Fifth Arriving Company or Available Truck Company

a. The Primary Objective is Incomplete Truck Company Operations. b. Consider positioning an aerial apparatus to provide access to the fire floor (when

possible) or to provide aerial water supply. c. Evaluate Ladder placement and the need to additionally support upper level egress.

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6. Sixth Arriving Company a. The Primary Objective is Rapid Intervention (RIC). b. Consider requesting additional crews to enhance RIC and placement of RIC in

stairwells

7. First Arriving Chief Officer a. The Primary Objective is Incident Commander.

• Current action progress. • Detailed building description (type, occupancy, size, height, use) and conditions. • Detailed exposures. • Detailed fire and smoke conditions. • Possible anticipated actions, including: possible rapid-fire events, imminent

collapse, transitional actions (Defensive to Offensive), overwhelming conditions (Condition Doubtful).

• Stairwell designations (attack and evacuation). b. Establish or review strategies that will best control the incident, i.e. proper size

attack hose lines, water supply established, proper ventilation, search and rescue, etc.

c. Begin incident documentation by utilizing an approved tactical worksheet. Utilize command vehicle as Command Post (CP) when possible. If FD Command vehicle is not used as CP the IC will establish a single CP and announce its location to on-scene units and Dispatch.

d. Call for additional resources if needed, i.e. fourth alarm or greater, EMS, Police, Utilities, etc. air cascade, incident management teams.

e. Assure that (RIC) Rapid Intervention Crew has been established and is ready to perform assigned task.

f. The IC shall have the authority to deviate from this SOG as necessary to commit resources to life safety/search and rescue operations.

g. Confirm all occupants within the IDLH are clear from the structure. Assure primary and secondary searches are complete and communicate status with Dispatch.

h. Establish NIMS specific positions for high rise incidents as needed. (See Appendix A)

8. All Other Arriving Chief Officers a. Report to IC for assignment. Later arriving Chief Officers may be assigned

positions/functions listed in appendix B. b. Upon arrival a Chief Officer from the AHJ may assume command, or assist the IC as

needed.

9. 1st Arriving ALS Ambulance a. Establish Medical Branch

References David M. McGrail, March 2007, Firefighting Operations in High-Rise and Standpipe-Equipped Buildings. NFPA 1500, Fire Department Occupational Safety & Health Program, 2013 edition.

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St. Louis County FGSI Approved SOG’s NFPA 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments, 2016 edition. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 NIMS 200/ 300/ 400/ 700/ 800 NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 2016 Edition FEMA Field Operations Guide, ICS 420-1, June 2016

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APPENDIX A: High Rise Incident Position Checklists

1. Lobby Control Unit Leader a. Check in and obtain briefing from Support Branch Director, Logistics Section Chief,

or Incident Commander. b. Make entry, assess situation, and establish Lobby Control position. c. Request needed resources. d. Obtain building access keys. e. Establish entry/exit control at all building access points. f. Maintain an accountability for personnel entering/exiting the building. g. Assure personnel are directed to the appropriate stairways/elevator for

assignment. h. Control the elevators and provide operators if approved for use by the IC. i. Provide briefings and information to Support Branch/Logistics Section or the IC. j. Perform the functions of the Systems Control Unit when directed by the IC or agency

policy. k. Secure operations and release personnel as determined by the Demobilization Plan. l. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214).

2. Systems Control Unit Leader

a. Check in and obtain briefing from the Lobby Control Unit, Support Branch Director, Logistics Section Chief, or Incident Commander (Briefing must include the type and performance of built-in systems).

b. Introductions to building’s engineering staff should occur at briefing. c. Evaluate current situation and request needed personnel and resources. d. Establish communication with the building engineer, utility company

representatives, elevator service personnel, or others to coordinate the operation of selected systems.

e. Assign personnel to monitor all building fire protection/life safety systems. f. Evaluate the status and operation of the building’s fire and domestic water pumps

and water supply (support as needed). g. Evaluate the operational effectiveness of the heating, ventilation, and air-

conditioning system (HVAC); the smoke removal system; and stairwell protection system (support as needed).

h. Evaluate the building’s electrical system, emergency power systems, and security systems (support as needed).

i. Evaluate the public address, telephone, emergency phone, and other building communications systems (support as needed).

j. Secure operations and release personnel as determined by the Demobilization Plan. k. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214).

3. Staging Area Manager

a. Obtain briefing from Operations Section Chief or Incident Commander. b. Proceed to selected location and evaluate suitability. Make recommendations

regarding relocation, if appropriate. c. Request necessary resources and personnel.

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d. Establish Staging Area layout and identify/post each functional area (Crew-Ready Area, Air Cylinder Exchange, Equipment Pool, and Medical Unit if collocated within the Staging Area).

e. Determine, establish, or request needed facility services (drinking water, lighting). f. Coordinate with Logistics Section or Systems Control Unit to maintain fresh air. g. Maintain a personnel accountability system for arriving and departing crews. h. Request required resource levels from the Operations Section Chief. Maintain levels

and advise the Operations Section Chief when reserve levels are reached. i. Coordinate with the RIC Group Supervisor to designate area(s) for Rapid

Intervention Crew (RIC) to standby if collocated within the Staging Area. j. Direct crews and equipment to designated locations as requested by the Operations

Section Chief or Incident Commander. k. Secure operations and release personnel as determined by the Demobilization Plan. l. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214).

4. Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor

a. Obtain briefing from the Operations Section Chief or Incident Commander. b. Participate in Operations Section planning activities. c. Determine Rapid Intervention Group needs (personnel, equipment, supplies, and

additional support). d. Evaluate tactical operations in progress. e. Evaluate floor plans, above and below emergency operations. f. Assign and brief Rapid Intervention Crews based on number of stairwells and floors

used for emergency operations. g. Verify potential victims and hazard locations and insure that Rapid Intervention

Crew(s) are prepared for possible deployment. h. Notify Operations Section Chief or Incident Commander when Rapid Intervention

Crew(s) are operational or deployed. i. Develop Rapid Intervention Crew(s) contingency plans. j. Secure operations and release personnel as determined by the Demobilization Plan. k. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214).

5. Base Manager

a. Obtain briefing from Support Branch Director, Logistics Section Chief, or Incident Commander.

b. Participate in Support Branch/Logistics Section planning activities. c. Determine Base needs (personnel, equipment, supplies and additional support). d. Evaluate layout and suitability of the selected Base location. Make

recommendations regarding relocation, if appropriate. e. Establish Base layout and identify functional areas to support the incident

(Apparatus Parking, Crew Ready Area, Equipment Pool, Rehabilitation Area, Command Post, and Sanitation).

f. Provide for safety, security, and traffic control at Base and Command Post. g. Provide facility services at Base and Command Pose (sanitation, lighting and clean

up). h. Maintain accounting of resources in Base. Periodically update Logistics Section,

Planning Section, or Incident Command. i. Direct personnel and equipment to designated locations as requested. j. Provide an auxiliary water supply to the building, if required.

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k. Update Support Branch, Logistics Section, or Incident Commander as directed. l. Secure operations and release personnel as determined by the Demobilization Plan. m. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214).

6. Ground Support Unit Leader

a. Obtain briefing from Support Branch Director, Logistics Section Chief, or Incident Commander.

b. Participate in Support Branch/Logistics Section planning activities. c. Identify, establish, and implement safe movement routes and exterior Safe Refuge

Areas identified in the Traffic and Personnel Movement Plans. d. Assign personnel to transport services including stairwell, ground level, and general

motor transport. e. Assign personnel to fueling, maintenance, and support of apparatus and portable

power equipment and emergency power systems as appropriate. f. Assign personnel to SCBA air cylinder refilling, maintenance, and support. g. Maintain inventory of support and transportation vehicles, maintenance, and fuel

supplies. h. Update Support Branch, Logistics Section, or Incident Commander as directed. i. Secure operations and release personnel as determined by the Demobilization Plan. j. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214).

7. Evacuation Group Supervisor

a. Obtain briefing from the Branch Director, Operations Section Chief, or Incident Commander.

b. Participate in Operations Section planning activities. c. Determine Evacuation Group requirements (personnel, equipment, supplies). d. Ensure the evacuation in progress is to a safe location. e. Confirm evacuation stairwell(s) with the Operations Section and Ground Support. f. Ensure ventilation of evacuation stairwell(s) and Safe Refuge Areas. g. Coordinate evacuation message with Systems Control Unit utilizing the building’s

Public-Address System. h. Assign personnel in the evacuation stairwell(s) to assist/direct building occupants

to a safe location. i. Secure operations and release personnel as determined by the Demobilization Plan.

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APPENDIX B: High Rise Definitions

Command Post (CP) – The field location at which the primary tactical incident command functions are performed. A high-rise CP may initially be located in the Lobby or Fire Command Center (FCC). As the incident escalates, the CP should be relocated outside the fire building. The incident CP may be located at Base.

Fire Command Center (FCC) – The FCC may contain any of the following features. • Emergency voice / alarm communication system. • Fire department communications system with master and deployable handsets. • Fire detection and alarm system annunciator panel. • Sprinkler valve and water flow display panels. (May be part of the main fire alarm panel.) • Fire pump status indicators. (May be part of the main fire alarm panel.) • Elevator floor location and operation annunciator panel. • Emergency generator status panel with manual start control and indicators for the position

of the automatic transfer switch. • Controls for simultaneously unlocking stairway doors. • Telephone for fire department use with access to the public telephone system. • Air handling and smoke control system controls and status indicators. • Emergency power and standby power status indicators. • Schematic building plans. • Public address system.

Staging Area – High rise staging shall be at least two (2) floors below the fire floor. The Operations section Chief shall direct fire suppression and rescue efforts from this location. Manpower and equipment resources will be directed here to await assignment.

Base – All units and personnel assigned to 2nd alarms or greater shall respond to base. The base shall be located away from the building at a location determined by the incident commander. The base shall contain apparatus parking, a crew ready area, equipment cache, rehabilitation area, and logistics support (food, water, shelter, sanitation). Law enforcement shall provide security and traffic control at Base.

Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (IRIC)* – A minimum two (2) person Crew shall immediately report to staging and operate under the direction of the IC or Operations Section Chief.

Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)* – A dedicated Crew shall be assigned to staging and report to the Operations Section Chief.

If the RIC consists of more than one company, a RIC leader shall be designated. (The IC shall assign a Command Officer to manage the RIC group anytime a Mayday is declared or the RIC is activated.)

*A high rise IRIC or RIC can enter the fire building including upper floors, and take a position near but outside of the IDLH environment. This is in contrast to low rise structure fires where the crew must stay outside of the building. An interior position will facilitate a meaningful response and still comply with the intent of NFPA 1561 and OSHA 29CFR1910.134. The IC should consider

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assigning additional companies to the RIC group based on the fire floor area or operations on multiple floors.

Standard Standpipe Equipment – The hose and equipment required to place an attack line in service from a standpipe. Refer to the Standpipe Operations SOG

Standard Truck Company Equipment – Companies assigned to perform truck duties should consider bringing the following equipment:

• Thermal image camera. • Pulling / Pushing tool. (Pike pole, roof hook, multi-purpose hook) • Striking tool. (Flat head axe, TNT, Sledge hammer) • Halligan bar. • Bolt cutters. • Rope. (200 to 300 feet) • Hose roller and sill hook.

Stairwell Designation – The incident commander shall designate and announce over the fire ground radio which stairways will be used for fire operations and occupant evacuation. This determination shall be made only after the fire location has been confirmed by interior crews.

Ventilation – The challenging nature of high rise incidents requires modifications to traditional ventilation. The following concepts should be understood to ensure the operational effectiveness of smoke control / removal operations.

1. Stack effect - In the winter, the warm air in a heated building is lighter (less dense) than the

cold air outside the building. That warm air wants to rise up and out, and the flow of air

leaving the top of the building draws cold air in at the bottom of the building.

2. Reverse stack effect – In the summer, the cool air in an air-conditioned building is heavier

(denser) than the hot air outside of the building. That cool air wants to sink down and out,

and the flow of air leaving the bottom of the building draws hot air in at the top of the

building. The pressures created in the winter (stack effect) are greater than in the summer

(reverse stack effect). These pressures can move large volumes of air through a building

envelope, and officers must understand this principle of air movement.

3. Engineered ventilation systems – Built-in ventilation and smoke control systems are

designed to provide mechanical supply and exhaust ventilation. These systems can

produce negative or positive pressure. Automatic systems should be allowed to operate

unless it is known to be counterproductive to civilian evacuation or fire operations.

Manual systems should ideally be operated by building representatives, and should be

monitored for effectiveness by fire personnel.

4. Stairwell pressurization – Engineered systems use built-in fans to prevent the flow of smoke

into the shafts by creating positive pressure differences across all doorways. Manual

systems use portable fans to perform the same function.

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Incident Command System (ICS) – Incident commanders shall follow the adopted SOG. Refer to the ICS SOG Rehabilitation Area – Established at Base or as directed by the IC. A second rehabilitation area may be established inside the building as needed. A rehabilitation area must include a medical assessment component. Communications - Operations at high-rise incidents are high risk, low frequency events, and effective communication is paramount. Personnel should utilize building installed Fire Service Communication Systems whenever possible to reduce radio traffic and maintain direct communications. Refer to the 800 MHz SOG. Accountability –

1. Second (2nd) and greater alarm responding personnel must report into the incident area as

follows:

a. Command and Staff Officers shall report to the Command Post.

b. All other personnel must report to Base.

2. All personnel entering the building shall report to the Lobby Control Officer.

3. Personnel given assignments by the Operations Officer or IC will additionally report to the

Staging Area Manager prior to deploying within the building. This notification can be made

by radio or phone.

4. The IC conducts or directs the PAR by calling individual Division/Group Supervisors, who

then in turn obtain PAR’s from those working within their Division/Group. This is usually

limited to companies that are operating under the Operations Branch.

Fire Ground Safety Initiative

High Rise Fire Operations

SOG 008

Date Last Revised: 2-26-18

APPENDIX C:

Command Officer Duty Delegation Guide

1st Chief

1st Chief 2nd Chief

1st Chief 3rd Chief 2nd Chief 4th Chief

Incident Commander Logistics Operations Staging

Safety Support Service Fire Branch Accountability

Unified Command Liaison EMS Branch Recycling

Water Supply Lobby Communications RIC Group

PIO Systems Rehabilitation Search & Rescue Group

Base Evacuation Group

Ground Support

Supply

Fire Ground Safety Initiative

High Rise Fire Operations

SOG 008

Date Last Revised: 2-26-18

INCIDENT

COMMANDER

Safety Officer Public Information Officer

Lobby

Operations Staging Officer

Support

Logistics

Fire Attack Group

Systems

Accountability

Water Supply Unified Command Liaison

Rehabilitation

Recycling

Search & Rescue Group

EMS Branch

RIC Group

Base

Ground Support

Service

Communications

Supply

Evacuation Group

APPENDIX D

High Rise Command Flow Chart