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What is the initial priority when first determining strategy at a high rise fire?
What is the initial priority when first determining strategy at a high rise fire?
In a high-rise fire, what strategy is most likely to be sustained for a longer duration compared to a typical structure fire?
In a high-rise fire, what strategy is most likely to be sustained for a longer duration compared to a typical structure fire?
When should a rapid intervention plan be considered in a high-rise fire?
When should a rapid intervention plan be considered in a high-rise fire?
What is a crucial consideration regarding rapid intervention preparation for high-rise fires compared to typical structure fires?
What is a crucial consideration regarding rapid intervention preparation for high-rise fires compared to typical structure fires?
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What is the primary function of the lobby in a high-rise fire incident?
What is the primary function of the lobby in a high-rise fire incident?
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Apart from a medical group, what does the dedicated medical unit focus on during a high-rise fire?
Apart from a medical group, what does the dedicated medical unit focus on during a high-rise fire?
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Why is it crucial to plan early for hydration and crew rotation in high-rise incidents?
Why is it crucial to plan early for hydration and crew rotation in high-rise incidents?
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What is particularly important regarding water lines in a high-rise fire?
What is particularly important regarding water lines in a high-rise fire?
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In high-rise fires, what is a primary reason smoke and fire gases are more dangerous than flames?
In high-rise fires, what is a primary reason smoke and fire gases are more dangerous than flames?
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What is the general rule of thumb for attack line size in high-rise fires according to the content?
What is the general rule of thumb for attack line size in high-rise fires according to the content?
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Besides the fire floor, where should fire crews be aware of possible hidden fire spread?
Besides the fire floor, where should fire crews be aware of possible hidden fire spread?
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What critical function does the proper pressurization of stairwells achieve in high-rise fire operations?
What critical function does the proper pressurization of stairwells achieve in high-rise fire operations?
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What is the ‘stack effect’ related to high-rise fires according to the content?
What is the ‘stack effect’ related to high-rise fires according to the content?
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Who ultimately bears the responsibility for confirming complete extinguishment on the fire floor?
Who ultimately bears the responsibility for confirming complete extinguishment on the fire floor?
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Why is it important not to solely rely on a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) during overhaul?
Why is it important not to solely rely on a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) during overhaul?
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According to the content who should coordinate with divisions supervisors regarding pressurization of stairwells and fire floors?
According to the content who should coordinate with divisions supervisors regarding pressurization of stairwells and fire floors?
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What was a significant challenge faced by firefighters at the described incident?
What was a significant challenge faced by firefighters at the described incident?
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What is the primary role of the incident commander upon arrival?
What is the primary role of the incident commander upon arrival?
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Why should a fire department call for extra resources early during an incident?
Why should a fire department call for extra resources early during an incident?
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What is the main priority during the initial stages of a fire incident?
What is the main priority during the initial stages of a fire incident?
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Which of these is a task-level activity during a fire incident?
Which of these is a task-level activity during a fire incident?
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What role, according to the text, does a two-sided view play when establishing an ICP?
What role, according to the text, does a two-sided view play when establishing an ICP?
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Which of the following best describes the role of the initial Fire Floor Division Supervisor?
Which of the following best describes the role of the initial Fire Floor Division Supervisor?
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Why does the author emphasize that most resources should be doing task level work?
Why does the author emphasize that most resources should be doing task level work?
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What was the primary function of the second-alarm resources in this high-rise fire incident?
What was the primary function of the second-alarm resources in this high-rise fire incident?
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What was the significance of establishing a medical group on the 16th floor sky lobby?
What was the significance of establishing a medical group on the 16th floor sky lobby?
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Why did the fire floor division request multiple carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers?
Why did the fire floor division request multiple carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers?
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What was the primary function of the stairway support team in this incident?
What was the primary function of the stairway support team in this incident?
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What action was taken regarding the electrical power supply to the fire floor?
What action was taken regarding the electrical power supply to the fire floor?
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What is the significance of the acronym SAW-CSS-RECEO-VSS in the context of high-rise fires?
What is the significance of the acronym SAW-CSS-RECEO-VSS in the context of high-rise fires?
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How should a fire department with a significant high-rise building presence approach high-rise fires?
How should a fire department with a significant high-rise building presence approach high-rise fires?
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What is the core message conveyed regarding automatic alarms in the provided context?
What is the core message conveyed regarding automatic alarms in the provided context?
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What is a key difference between staging and base in a high-rise incident?
What is a key difference between staging and base in a high-rise incident?
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What is the primary function of a rapid ascent team in high-rise fire operations?
What is the primary function of a rapid ascent team in high-rise fire operations?
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Which tactical consideration is MOST critical for effective ventilation in high-rise fires?
Which tactical consideration is MOST critical for effective ventilation in high-rise fires?
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What are the responsibilities of the lobby/systems group in a high-rise fire?
What are the responsibilities of the lobby/systems group in a high-rise fire?
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How are branches utilized within the Incident Command System (ICS) at a high-rise fire?
How are branches utilized within the Incident Command System (ICS) at a high-rise fire?
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Given limited resources, what is the FIRST step an Incident Commander should take when developing a plan for an unmet need during a high-rise fire?
Given limited resources, what is the FIRST step an Incident Commander should take when developing a plan for an unmet need during a high-rise fire?
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Which is a key consideration when training personnel for high rise fires?
Which is a key consideration when training personnel for high rise fires?
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How does the exponential increase in fire spread impact tactical decision-making in a high-rise fire?
How does the exponential increase in fire spread impact tactical decision-making in a high-rise fire?
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In a high-rise fire, when should additional alarms be called?
In a high-rise fire, when should additional alarms be called?
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In a confirmed high-rise fire, which floor becomes the first division?
In a confirmed high-rise fire, which floor becomes the first division?
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What are the tactical objectives of the division supervisor on the fire floor?
What are the tactical objectives of the division supervisor on the fire floor?
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What is the primary responsibility of the lobby/systems group in a confirmed high-rise fire?
What is the primary responsibility of the lobby/systems group in a confirmed high-rise fire?
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When there is visible smoke or fire from the exterior of the building, what's a possible conclusion regarding fire conditions?
When there is visible smoke or fire from the exterior of the building, what's a possible conclusion regarding fire conditions?
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What is the role of staging in a high-rise fire?
What is the role of staging in a high-rise fire?
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What action should be prioritized on the fire floor?
What action should be prioritized on the fire floor?
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What could a command officer consider to keep from getting overwhelmed with span of control issues in a high rise fire?
What could a command officer consider to keep from getting overwhelmed with span of control issues in a high rise fire?
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Study Notes
High-Rise Fires
- High-rise fires are complex and lethal incidents
- A high-rise building is over 75 feet tall
- High-rise fires are potentially the most challenging and lethal structure fires
- High-rise fires have immense occupancy loads
High-Rise Fire Definition and Hazards
- High-rise fires are complex incidents that require significant resources
- Occupants on higher floors can be killed by smoke and fire
- Firefighting operations in high-rise buildings may take an extended time (60-90 seconds per floor)
- Pre-planning and training are critical to high-rise incidents, involving factors like building occupancy trends, fire suppression, elevator systems, HVAC, communications, stairwells, and control rooms
Statistics on high rise fires
- From 2009-2013, US fire departments responded to an average of 14,500 structure fires annually in high-rise buildings
- These high-rise fires caused an average of 40 civilian deaths, 520 civilian injuries and $154 million in direct property damage annually.
- Five property use groups account for 73% of high-rise fires (Apartments, Hotels, Dormitories, Offices, Facilities that care for the sick, and mixed use buildings)
High-Rise Fire Case Studies
- Example: Denver high-rise building with automatic fire alarm
- Initial reports of the incident may be limited or vague
- High-rise fires require significant resources for fire attack and to quickly assess and rescue people from the incident
- In high-rise fire scenarios, first due companies need to work quickly and effectively establishing sufficient resources before deploying into the building.
- High-rise environments require significant planning and training for safety and efficiency.
High-Rise Fire Strategy
- Size-up is ongoing and crucial in high-rise scenarios
- Assess the situation and factors like building occupancy, building systems to establish a clear strategy.
- Establish a clear priority for fire attack, search, evacuation, ventilation, and any other required tasks
- Plan for large numbers of victims and potential resource demands
- Establish multiple divisions and have well coordinated teams working together
- Identify clear strategy for the span of control of the incident commander (IC)'s team
- Confirm the safety conditions needed to approach the situation safely
Safety Considerations and Exposures
- Rapid intervention crews need to be in place quickly
- High-risk tactical concerns need to be identified early
- The potential for smoke and hazardous gases are critical in this type of scenario
- Confine fire and smoke to control its spread
- Ensure adequate resources are available for all potential needs
Extinguishment
- The technique on fighting a high-rise fire requires detailed planning
- Different types and numbers of attack lines are likely required for the specific high-rise building
- Proper communication is key to an efficient operation and prevents confusion
- Coordination between multiple levels and floors are crucial to the efficiency of fighting high-rise fires
- All operations need to be coordinated and monitored before, during, and after the incident
Salvage
- Salvage is usually a lower priority than fire and rescue, but it's still important to stabilize and protect all areas that are not involved
- Salvage efforts involve protecting unoccupied or uninvolved areas from water or smoke damage
- Ensure safe conditions for all members and ensure that all occupants can be safely removed from the building immediately after the incident/operation
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Description
This quiz covers essential strategies and considerations for managing high-rise fire incidents. Questions will focus on prioritization, rapid intervention planning, water management, and crew safety specific to high-rise environments. Test your knowledge on how to effectively respond to these challenging emergencies.