Fire in High-Rise Buildings

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Questions and Answers

Who will receive an elevator key ring?

The Incident Commander

Each firefighter operating an elevator (correct)

Rapid Ascent Teams

Crew Staging leaders

What is the primary role of the Lobby Control Unit Officer?

To manage fire apparatus placement

To account for all companies passing through the lobby (correct)

To supply additional resources

To direct the fire attack

When can an attack on the fire begin?

Only when a chief officer is present

When the first engine company arrives

Once three companies are assembled together (correct)

After the fire has been assessed

What is the ideal composition of the Fire Attack Group?

Two engine companies and one truck company Signup and view all the answers

Who will take over as Operations Division Officer when a chief officer arrives?

The highest ranking officer of the three apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the Rapid Ascent Teams?

Ensuring stairwells are clear of occupants Signup and view all the answers

Where should crew staging be established in relation to the fire floor?

Two floors or lower below the fire floor Signup and view all the answers

What will happen to the elevator key rings that the Lobby Control Unit Officer retains?

They will be used for future firefighting operations if needed Signup and view all the answers

What must be checked prior to using the elevator during a fire operation?

Hoist way for signs of smoke, fire, or water Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of floors that can be ascended in the elevator after its functions are verified?

2 floors below the fire floor Signup and view all the answers

What action should a firefighter take if the elevator controls do not function correctly?

Abandon the elevator and not use it Signup and view all the answers

What gear must all firefighters be in while operating the elevator?

Full PPE including SCBA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required check for elevator operations before use?

Weight limit of the elevator Signup and view all the answers

Which type of elevators should not be used unless verified safe?

Service or freight elevators and those without Phase II service Signup and view all the answers

When is it recommended for fire crews to don their SCBA masks during a stairwell climb?

Only when they encounter smoke Signup and view all the answers

What information should the Fire Attack Team regularly report to the IC/Operations Division Officer?

Location, conditions, actions taken, and resources needed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the guideline for fires in high-rise buildings?

To establish a guideline that will mitigate emergencies in high-rise structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of floors for a structure to be considered a high-rise under these guidelines?

Four floors above grade Signup and view all the answers

Who assumes Incident Command upon the arrival at a high-rise fire?

The first arriving officer Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if fire and smoke are visible at the incident?

Request additional alarms immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a tactical priority during a high-rise fire?

Public Relations Management Signup and view all the answers

What role does the first arriving apparatus have in a high-rise fire response?

Establish the lobby control unit Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the elevators upon arrival at the scene?

Capture all elevators and ensure they are in Phase I Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Lobby Control Unit Officer during a high-rise fire?

Issue building access key rings Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to prepare the attack line for rapid movement into the fire compartment?

Pull extra slack and position crew members at critical points Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach when a direct attack on fire is not possible?

Attack indirectly through holes made in walls Signup and view all the answers

What is critical to maintain during firefighting efforts to control fire and smoke travel?

Close and maintain the integrity of interior doors Signup and view all the answers

Which group of occupants is most endangered in a high-rise fire situation?

Occupants on and immediately above the fire floor Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep stairwell doors closed during a fire evacuation?

To prevent smoke from entering stairwells Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters ensure before turning off the sprinkler system?

The fire has been completely extinguished Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if occupants self-evacuate during a fire in a high-rise building?

They may become trapped in smoke-filled stairwells Signup and view all the answers

What mode should elevators be in during rescue efforts in a high-rise fire?

Fire Service Mode Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing recon two levels below the fire floor?

To identify potential hazards and provide general layout information Signup and view all the answers

When unsure about the length of hose required, what should the crew do?

Utilize four lengths of hose Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken regarding the fire alarm in the fire area?

Request that it be silenced from the Fire Command Center Signup and view all the answers

What tool is recommended for searching areas during a fire incident?

A search tag-line Signup and view all the answers

Which action should be prioritized before entering the fire floor?

Obtain a 'stairwell clear' report Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended procedure for stretching the attack line?

Feed the line through a hole in the wall if necessary Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring the evacuation of occupants from the stairwell?

The RAT Teams or Fire Attack Group Signup and view all the answers

What is the advisable strategy if the fire's location is unknown?

Always hook up on the floor below Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Command

The first arriving officer will assume Incident Command.
If the first arriving officer is on the first arriving heavy apparatus, they will remain in command until arrival of the next equal or higher ranking officer.
At no time will the incident be without an incident commander.
A Chief Officer is desired to be the Incident Commander.

Lobby Control

The first arriving apparatus will establish the lobby control unit.
The Officer and remaining members of the first arriving apparatus will establish the lobby control unit and be responsible for:
- Capturing all elevators and ensuring they are in Phase I.
- The Lobby Control Unit Officer will split the key rings.
- The Officer will identify what floor the initial alarm was activated on via the building's alarm panel.
- The Officer will account for all companies that pass through the lobby.
- The Officer will direct personnel to the appropriate stairways/elevator for assignment and direct evacuees and exiting personnel to safe areas or routes from the building.

Fire Attack Group

The second, third & fourth arriving apparatus will comprise the Fire Attack Group.
Two engine companies and one truck company are the ideal make up of the group.
A chief officer should be sent up to two floors below the fire floor to take over Operations Division Officer and establish a crew staging location of personnel.
When a chief officer assumes the role, the highest ranking officer will then become the fire attack group leader.

Rapid Ascent Team

The responsibility of these crews is to ensure that stairwells are cleared of all building occupants.
All stairwell doors will be unlocked and closed.
The roof hatch will be unlocked by the RAT but remained closed.
It is their job to inform the Incident Commander which stairwell has the roof hatch.

Crew Staging

Two (2) floors or lower below the fire floor is essential for a sustained attack.
A general rule of thumb, for every company engaged on the fire floor at least an equal number of companies will be established in Crew Staging.

Elevator Operations

The elevator will be operated by the firefighter from the lobby control engine whose radio designation is either “Elevator 1” or “Elevator 2.”
The elevator will be taken to 5 floors below the fire and the following will be checked to ensure correct elevator operations:
- Door Close
- Door Open (Open door 6”-8” and then release finger from button. The doors should shut.)
If all elevator operations work appropriately 5 floors below the fire floor the elevator can be rode up to no more than 2 floors below the fire floor. The doors should be opened slowly incase smoke is encountered.

High Rise Equipment

Don the high-rise equipment so that it is equally distributed for weight and so that you are able to grab a handrail when ascending the stairs.
Observe building exterior when entering the building for indications of the fire location and its path of travel.
Obtain access keys, building plans, firefighter phones from the lobby control unit.
Assemble as a group in the lobby and determine if both crews can go in one elevator or if both elevators will be needed.
Obtain information from Lobby Control regarding fire and rescue priorities, fire location, and alarm panel indications and so on.
Verify the route to the fire (elevator car number or stairwell designation) with Lobby Control.
The Fire Attack Team must give frequent reports to the IC/Operations Division Officer regarding their location, conditions encountered, actions taken and resources needed.
It is highly recommended that if a stairwell climb is necessitated that crews climb without the face mask in place until the smoke condition necessitates the use of SCBA.
Do not use service or freight elevators or any cars without Phase II service unless they have been verified safe for use and are not subject to malfunction because of fire, smoke, or water exposure.
Perform recon of the floor two levels below the fire floor for clues as to the layout on fire floor, hose cabinet positions, and relative stairwell locations.
Attempt to determine whether three or four lengths of hose will be required to reach the seat of the fire.
Utilize four lengths of hose when in doubt.
Confirm with the IC/Operations Division Officer which stairwell will be used for attack and which will be used for evacuation.
Travel to the fire floor landing in the attack stairwell.
Request that the fire alarm in the fire area or zone in alarm be silenced from the Fire Command Center.
Search stairwell above the fire floor for evacuees or obtain a “stairwell clear” report from RAT crews before entering the fire floor during working incidents.
One of the crews should search for the fire using the search tag-line and a Thermal Imaging Camera.
Crews working from the stairwell and following fixed guideline to the fire area can facilitate the quick movement of the heavy attack line by the engine crews.
If at all possible, the attack line should be connected and stretched so that the stairwell door does not remain open, flooding the stairwell with smoke.

2 Inch Hose Deployment

Assist fellow crew members with doffing high-rise equipment.
Report stairwell location, floor level and extent of the fire to IC/Operations Division Officer.
Connect the hose to the standpipe connection on floor below the fire floor.
Prepare the attack line for rapid movement by pulling extra slack and positioning crew members at critical pinch points and corners in advance of entering the fire compartment.
Use a direct attack on fire when ever possible.
Attack the fire indirectly through holes made in walls if a direct attack is not possible.
Maintain the integrity of interior doors to provide limited control of fire and smoke travel.
Give frequent progress and position reports to IC/Operations Division Officer.

Search and Rescue

Rescues in High-Rise structures means evacuation or protection in place.
The most endangered are those on and immediately above the fire floor, the top floor and in stairwells that have filled with smoke.
The building’s public address (PA) system should be used to inform occupants of the correct actions to be taken (evacuation, or shelter-in-place).
Occupants that self evacuate may become trapped in smoke filled stairwells. Stairwells require searching as soon as personnel are available.
Evacuation of high-rise structures is generally conducted through stairwells; when possible at least one stairwell must remain smoke-free until evacuation is complete.
Rescue efforts may be accomplished in firefighter-operated elevators.

Sprinkler Systems

Firefighters will not turn off the sprinkler system to the affected floor until the fire can be verified to be out.
Once the Operations Division Officer has given the order, the company assigned to turn off the system and open up the drain valve will stay with the valve until confirmed there are no flare ups.

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Description

This quiz covers critical procedures in incident command and lobby control during emergencies. Understand the roles of arriving officers and how to manage lobby control effectively. Test your knowledge on the responsibilities and protocols necessary for effective emergency response.