High Rise Fire Operations

Most Challenging of all firefighting incidents.Close Coordination and tight control of all resources are demanded yet difficult to achieve.Without direction and proper coordination, confusion develops rapidly and the risk of life safety increases.

Guidelines give pre-determined direction during high rise emergencies.

Proper training and experience will play an important role in the successful management of these incidents.

Three Common Problems Water Supply

Functionality of fire protection systems

Occupant evacuation

Initial AssignmentsFirst-in unit/Recon Team (Minimum 3 people)Establishes Command, performs an exterior survey, and gives an initial size-up. The primary function of this team is to locate the fire as soon as possible. The second arriving unit will assume command.

The Recon Group Supervisor must proceed with the following:Meets with management or maintenance personnel (if present)Checks enunciatorObtains elevator drop-key and master key/cardInvestigate the fire floor Give size-upInitiate suppression/rescue/evacuationPrepare to transfer to Fire Attack Group, Evacuation Group or Division Supervisor

The Recon Group Supervisor officer must decide the following:

What is the Tactical Priority?

Rescue (Life safety, including their own)

Fire Control

Property Conservation

Recon TeamHow much and what size hose will be needed to extinguish the fire? How far will the fire travel, allowing the time for hand lines to be advanced to the fire floor?

Are there fire extension considerations? How can the fire be confined?

Recon TeamAfter the Recon team gives its size-up, it will be reassigned by the Incident Commander as needed. Options include retreating to a safe area to wait for the Fire Attack or be reassigned as the Evacuation Team dependent upon direction of the Incident Commander.

Second AssignmentCommand/Lobby/Water SupplySecond unit will automatically assume commandFirst arriving Truck may or may not be assigned due to the need for Aerial OperationsCompany Officer report to lobby for command functions

Second AssignmentEngineer obtains water supply to building standpipe/sprinkler systems

Additional personnel will be assigned to lobby control after more equipment has arrived.

Lobby supervisorCoordinate incoming units.Check control room for alarms and systems check.Controlling the entrances/exitsControlling the elevators and access to the stairways

Lobby supervisorSecuring the building manager and/or building engineer. They should remain in this area for technical advice as needed.Prepare for possible shut down of utilities and HVAC systems.Maintain list and control all personnel that enter the building. Coordinate with Evacuation Team on established routes for evacuation of occupants allowing for a minimum of conflict with advancing firefighting equipment.

Third AssignmentFire Attack (Minimum six personnel) The fire attack group has the responsibility to mount an aggressive attack on the seat of the fire with confinement and extinguishment as the main goal. Two 3-person companies should be assigned to fire attack. The first crew will be the fire attack and the second crew will be the back up crew to provide for safety for the first attack team. Hose lines should be connected to the standpipe outlet one floor below the fire.

Fire AttackBefore ascending to the fire floor, the fire attack office must get specific instructions on:Stairwell to be usedFire floorFire Location if PossibleElevator UseRadio Frequency

Fire AttackThe Fire Attack Team will report initially to Command but will be reassigned to Operations as the incident expands.

Fourth AssignmentRescue/Evacuation (Minimum Six Personnel)Locate, relocate, or remove any trapped occupants.May only need to assist.Search Teams should be at least 3 personnelLifelines may need to be used if ventilation has not taken place.Could be large numbers of people needing evacuation.

Search Team ResponsibilitiesControlling and communicating information to all occupants in its assigned areaEnsuring its area of responsibility is searched and cleared of occupants when instructed to relocate or evacuate.

Search Team ResponsibilitiesCarrying out an evacuation plan with little directionReporting adverse conditionsCommunicate with command or operations to assure the best stairwells are used in the event of evacuation

Ventilation (Minimum three people) Ensure a safe path for heat, smoke and products of combustion to leave the structure.Two fans to pressurize stairwell.Exhausted air should be ventilated out of the stairwell that penetrates the roof.Knockout panels should only be removed after contacting command.

VentilationContact command BEFORE removing any knockout panels.Always monitor CO levels when using gasoline powered fans.Pressurized stairwells cannot be used for ventilation until the pressure has been relieved.The building engineer and pre-plan should have information on the HVAC system that will affect ventilation

Incident CommandTime is utmost importanceAssignments take much longerCall additional resources earlyPut personnel 2 to 3 floors below the fire earlyAnticipate longer and more frequent rehab times

Incident CommandThe first arriving Battalion Chief will receive a progress report from the incident commander and establish a command post outside the structure. The perimeter will be dictated by the incident location and the nature of the call.

Responsibilities of the Incident CommanderAssume command and establish an effective operating position.Rapidly evaluate the incident (size-up).Initiate, maintain, and control the communication process.Provide for the safety, accountability, and welfare of personnel. Identify the overall strategy, develop an incident action plan, and assign companies and personnel accordingly.

Responsibilities of the Incident CommanderCoordinate overall emergency activities.

Coordinate activities of outside agencies.

Provide for continuity, transfer, and termination of command.

Incident Command Functions

The Incident Commander is ultimately responsible for the successful management of the incident. Functions of the incident commander include but are not limited to:


Provide progress reports to radioCheck life hazards and evacuationsCheck HVAC statusEnsure availability of building keysAssign apparatus to FDCsConfirm the location and extent of the fire


Determine if a water flow alarm is in operationEnsure elevator controlActivate firefighter serviceAssign Elevator operatorCall Building personnel (engineer)Ensure elevator company representative is responding


Get progress report from reconAssess situation status and ensure adequate staffingDesignate Base AreaAssign Officer to Fire control roomAssign personnel to check exterior of the buildingHave Police establish a safety perimeter around the building

Incident Command FunctionsRequest utility personnel and outside agencies when neededAssign qualified personnel to evaluate fire pump status and related equipmentAssign personnel to the incident organizational structure as the structure growsBe pro-active in deployment and decision making

Tactical FunctionsBaseAssembly point from which large quantities of personnel and equipment are distributed.

Primary point outside the structure for personnel to report and receive their assignments.

Tactical FunctionsBaseLarge area close for good response but far enough not to hamper operations.

Base manager is usually first arriving engine or truck officer

Base manager reports directly to command

Base Manager ResponsibilitiesVerifying the location of Base with the incident commanderDetermining the most appropriate access route to base for responding unitsCoordinating with Lobby Control to establish one or more safe access routes to the incident structure

Base Manager ResponsibilitiesMaintaining an accurate log of apparatus, equipment and personnel responding to and within Base areaAssuring that companies are kept together and recording the time companies arrive and depart from baseAssuring that equipment is delivered to interior units as needed

Interior StagingClose proximity to the fire.

Usually 2-3 floors below the fire.

Same area used to rehab personnel if large enough.

Interior Staging Manager ResponsibilitiesVerifying the location of Interior Staging with the OperationsEstablish effective and ongoing communications with Operations to coordinate personnel movementEstablish effective communications with Logistics to coordinate equipment movement and deployment

Interior Staging Manager ResponsibilitiesAssure that the area is safe for personnel to rehab and stage for deploymentEnsure that personnel do not by-pass the Interior staging floorPlan for the layout of Interior staging to keep personnel and equipment that have been utilized separated from ready equipment and personnel

Interior Staging Manager Responsibilities Ensure that a suitable location is set up for Rehab of personnel and that personnel are monitored for illness or injury

Maintain an accurate log of personnel rotating in and out of staging being sure to keep enough reserves as needed by Operations

Interior StagingAdditional personnel directed to Interior Staging should always bring priority equipment from Base or Lobby. No one should ever go to Interior Staging empty handed!

Interior StagingThe following list of equipment is commonly stockpiled at Interior Staging;

SCBAs and Air BottlesFire Hose, nozzles, hose appliances and fittingsForcible entry toolsLadders

Interior StagingFansSalvage Covers and ToolsMedical SuppliesPortable Lights and hand lightsFood and Water with utensilsAny other items deemed necessary for the incident

Rapid Intervention TeamsSafety of all personnel is paramount

Maximum distance is one floor away

RIT teams may be in somewhat hazardous atmosphere and must be rotated.

RehabThe operating time on a high rise incident will necessitate rehabilitation for personnel operating on the incident scene. The rehab group will respond to the closest area that is safe and conditions facilitate effective rehab for operating personnel. The rehab group will usually be located on the same floor as interior staging. This will allow crews to move from operating positions to rehab without exiting the building. After crews have had sufficient time to rehab they will then be ready to return to an operating position through interior staging.

Medical BranchThe Medical Branch will be designated in the event of injury or illness to occupants of the building. This is separate from the unit that is responsible for rehab of department personnel. Depending on the number and severity of injuries to occupants the Medical Branch can simply be one unit or multiple units with the triage, treatment and transport groups reporting to them. The medical branch director will report directly to the incident commander.

Rules for Elevator Use The exact location of the fire must be known before using elevatorsCheck the hoist way initially and periodically for smokeNEVER take an elevator to the fire floor, always exit at least 2 floors below the fireNever move an elevator more than 5 floors without checking for full control over the carNEVER pass the fire floor

Rules for Elevator Use Never use the elevator until Firefighter Operation has been activatedAlways activate the emergency stop before exiting a stalled elevatorAlways carry a forcible entry tool to escape the car in an emergencyElevator use should be limited to 6 personnel per car

Rules for Elevator Use Due to the potential hazards of elevator use, elevators should only be considered for use for fires above the 4th or 5th floorDo not use freight elevators unless a special situation makes it necessary. These elevators are generally hazardous due to the trash and debris stored around them

CommunicationsThe efficient coordination of incidents, particularly high rise incidents requires prompt complete and frequent reports. Properly functioning radios are essential for good communications. Discipline in radio communications can mean the difference in life and death.

CommunicationsAny person should use the mayday call whenever a firefighter is missing or trapped.Try to conduct as much face-to face communications as possibleKnow who you are reporting to and who is reporting to youKnow which tac channel you have been assigned

CommunicationsIn the event that communications are hampered by building construction, try talk-around channel for radio transmissions

Expanding Complex Incidents In the event of long complex incidents, Incident Commanders and Operations Section Chiefs can quickly be overwhelmed with duties. The need for the incident commander to establish command positions of Logistics, Planning and Finance section Chiefs may become apparent.

Expanding Complex IncidentsCrews may be assigned to operate within these areas to assist with staff duties. It is of utmost importance that all personnel be aware of their duties, who they report to, and who they have reporting to them.

SummaryIt is important to remember that time is the enemy at high rise fires. Nothing is accomplished in a moments notice. Intuition, planning, experience, and foresight are your greatest allies as an incident commander or group/division supervisor.

SummaryHigh-rise fires require an extraordinary amount of personnel and equipment. The city of Los Angeles states that most small high rise fires require a minimum of 80 air cylinders. It can be agreed upon nationwide that the average fire in a high rise utilizes a minimum of 50 personnel

SummaryThe logistical nightmare can be best handled by a strong presence of Command coupled with a well trained and organized force of fire personnel. Communications, coordination and teamwork will be critical factors in the overall success of the operation

Documents

High Rise Fire Operations