High-Rise Fire Strategy and Tactics

The designated location within a building where the Incident Commander (IC) can coordinate and manage the fire response operations.

A two-sided location outside the fire building from where the Incident Commander (IC) can oversee the fire operations and make strategic decisions.

The key role in an emergency response is stopping the fire and conducting a search of the primary fire area as soon as possible.

A designated officer responsible for managing and coordinating the fire suppression systems within the building.

The crucial strategy of early and urgent requests for additional resources to handle a significant fire incident.

The act of conducting a thorough search of the fire area to locate and rescue any occupants.

When fire department resources focus primarily on establishing a complex organizational structure (checking off boxes on tactical worksheets) instead of addressing critical tasks such as fire suppression and search.

Simultaneous execution of both strategic/tactical actions and task-level operations in fire incident management.

The initial assessment of the incident, determining its severity and the appropriate response strategy.

A response strategy that prioritizes saving lives and preventing further harm.

A response strategy that focuses on stabilizing the incident and preventing further damage.

A response strategy that focuses on protecting property and the environment.

An offensive fireground strategy involving a direct attack on the fire.

A fireground strategy that combines offensive and defensive elements.

A fireground strategy that focuses on containing the fire and preventing its spread.

A pre-planned operational guide for high-rise fires, outlining responsibilities for each responding company.

The first arriving fire crews on the fire floor in a high-rise building. They are responsible for both fire attack and primary search on their floor.

A group of firefighters responsible for managing the lobby in a high-rise fire. They control access, elevators, and work with building staff to gather information about the fire conditions above.

The designated area where additional fire crews gather and wait for assignments during a high-rise fire.

The person who manages the staging area during a high-rise fire, ensuring efficient deployment of resources.

The command post established during a high-rise fire, typically when the second alarm arrives.

The person responsible for managing the base during a high-rise fire.

A group of fire crews dedicated to rapid ascent and accessing upper floors in a high-rise fire.

The concept of maintaining a manageable number of firefighters under the direct supervision of an officer, typically a ratio of 7 firefighters to 1 officer.

A dedicated team responsible for quickly reaching the fire floor in a high-rise building.

The location inside the building where resources are gathered, equipment is staged, and communications are established.

A method of organizing incident command structure for large-scale events, dividing the incident into smaller sections (branches) with specific responsibilities, allowing for efficient management.

Opening up a building to allow smoke and heat to escape, often using fans or other ventilation methods, creating a safe and controlled environment for firefighting operations.

The strategy of fighting the fire from the outside of the building, protecting adjacent floors and preventing the fire from spreading.

The process of assigning designated roles and responsibilities to firefighters within the ICS structure to ensure organized and coordinated response.

The flow of water needed to effectively extinguish a fire in the affected floors of a high-rise building. Generally, high-rise fires require 2 1/2-inch attack lines.

The movement of air in a building due to temperature differences between inside and outside. This can cause smoke and hot gases to spread to upper floors, posing a danger to occupants.

A strategy to reduce the spread of smoke and gases by controlling air pressure in stairwells and other areas. This is crucial in high-rise buildings.

Maintaining a constant supply of firefighters to fight the fire, with fresh crews rotating in to avoid exhaustion.

A thorough inspection after a fire to ensure all embers are extinguished and there are no hidden fires in shafts, chases, or other concealed areas.

The use of HVAC systems and pressurized stairwells to limit the spread of smoke and gases in high-rise fires.

The need to coordinate the efforts of different teams including incident command, ventilation group, and fire floor division supervisors to effectively control and remove smoke from a high-rise building.

The use of attack lines (fire hoses) on the floor above the burning floor to help confine the fire and prevent its upward spread.