SOG 407: High-Rise Fire Operations ultra very hard list Q

Purpose of SOG 407

• This SOG standardizes operations for high-rise fires.

Scope of SOG 407

• High-rise fires are complex emergencies
• The Signal 25 SOG (406) provides the foundation for high-rise fire operations, with some modifications.
• This SOG serves as a guide for modifications at high-rise fires.

Definition of a High-Rise

• Any building with 4 or more floors is considered a high-rise, regardless of fire location.

Initial Operations: First Alarm Assignment (per SOG 401)

• 5 Engines
• 3 Ladders
• 4 Suppression Chiefs
• 1 Rescue Chief
• 2 Squads
• 2 Rescues
• Special Operations Team

First Arriving Units

• Command must be established and an initial report transmitted (per SOG 403).
• If nothing is visible upon arrival, a concealed fire should be assumed.
• A second alarm should be initiated if smoke or fire is showing.
• Offensive actions should be limited to information gathering if the first arriving unit is not an Engine, Ladder, or Squad.
• The only exception is when occupants are in imminent danger.

Lobby Entry Actions

• Gather information from building management/security about the emergency.
• Check the fire alarm control panel history for active alarms.
• Obtain building and fire control plans.
• Obtain fire phones if available.
• Acquire master keys for rooms, stairwell doors, elevators, windows, etc., and have Building Representative deactivate electric locks.
• Determine the initial ascent method.
• Form fire attack teams with a minimum of 5 engine company personnel, including an OIC.

Engineer Responsibilities

• The Engineer of the first engine company should park the apparatus near the FDC without blocking Ladder Companies, acting as a locator and pump for the FDC.
• Engineers should proceed to the fire alarm panel, known as "Panel Control," and monitor the alarm and emergency communication systems.
• As the incident grows, an officer may take over the Panel Control position, with the Engineer as an aide.
• Until a "Lobby Control" officer is appointed, the Engineer at Panel Control directs incoming crews, using their knowledge of the building's features.
• Inform later-arriving crews about the initial attack team's ascent method.
• Stairs should be used for initial ascent if the fire is below the 7th floor.
• Fulfilling elements of 407.03.01 is the groundwork for all interior offensive operations before the initial Fire Attack Team proceeds.

Fire Attack Teams

• The initial fire attack team consists of the first and second arriving engine companies.
• The first engine company enters the lobby with high-rise equipment.
• The second engine company brings a duplicate high-rise equipment set as backup and joins the first company.
• Only one set of high-rise equipment is needed per attack team past the lobby.
• The radio designation for the initial team is "Attack One," with additional teams named "Attack Two," "Three," etc., using paired engine companies.
• In the event of a radio malfunction, Panel Control relays communications between attack teams and Command via fire phones if available.

"Attack One" Operational Priority

• The first Engineer must be at Panel Control and engaged(PER 407.03.01).
• Ensure fire phones and are secured if available.
• Advance to the landing two floors below the reported fire and periodically check conditions on lower floors while ascending.
• A brief stop is mandatory two floors below the fire to survey the floor plan, note standpipe valve type, and determine the feasibility of a forward staging area.
• Report conditions, actions, needs.

Ladder Company Priorities

• Ladder companies support the "Fire Attack Teams" by forcible entry, search and rescue, ventilation, and checking for extension.
• Ladder companies retain their normal radio designation unless otherwise directed by Command.

1st Ladder Company

• The first arriving Ladder Company sets up for aerial use and assesses the need for exterior ladder operations.
• If there is no immediate use, the entire crew proceeds to the fire floor.
• A cordless PPV fan with a 50' cord must be dropped at the building's entrance.

2nd Ladder Company

• The second arriving Ladder Company parks for secondary ladder operations on the opposite if possible and conducts a rapid needs assessment for exterior operations.
• If no immediate use is seen, the crew proceeds to the fire floor from the opposite stairwell if feasible.
• A cordless PPV fan with a 50' cord must be dropped at the building's front.
• The 1st and 2nd Ladder Companies must enter(attached to a tag line) from opposite stairwells.
• Announce the fire's location over the radio for "Attack One" if either Ladder Company finds it.

Coordination

• Coordination with ‘’Attack One’’ is key.
• More lives are usually saved by aggressive fire suppression.

3rd Ladder Company

• The third arriving Ladder Company proceeds to the front of the building to initiate PPV and RIT.
• They must bring a cordless PPV fan and a 50' cord
• They use the stockpile of PPV fans to pressurize the building from the outside at ground level.
• The stairwells must also be pressurized immediately thereafter.
• Pair up with the 2nd Squad (one floor below the fire floor) for RIT once PPV is established.

Squads

• 1st Squad Company: Enters, announces a stairwell, and ascends to the roof, checking for victims if tenable.
• Look for fire and victims on ledges, search the top floor, and descend the opposite stairwell checking for victims.
• Upon completion, announce it and request another assignment if feasible.
• 2nd Squad Company: Forms the RIT (one floor below the fire floor), per SOG # 408.
• Pair up with 3rd Ladder Company once initial PPV is established.

1st Suppression Chief

• The first suppression chief assumes Command and ensures a 2nd and 3rd Alarm, as well as a Level -1 MCI, is initiated if there is a confirmed fire.
• Establish a Level II Staging Area.
• Ensure the following tasks and assignments are made to the remaining 1st Alarm Assignment,
• Water supply into FDC
• RIT (Per SOG 408)
• Safety Officer (Per SOG 442)
• EMS Group
• Assign Fire Floor Chief (radio designation “Forward Ops’’)
• Assign ‘’Lobby Control Chief’’
• Assign suppression officer to “Panel Control”
• Incident commander must ensure coordination of stairwell use via Lobby Control.

Expanding Operations - Incident Commander Responsibilities

• To manage extra alarm companies, Command establishes the following.

  • IC Aide (Location: Command Post)
  • Forward Staging Officer (Location: 2 Floors below fire)
  • Exterior Staging Officer (Location: Level II Staging / Per ICS SOG 403)

• Command must address all elements of 407.03.07 before expanding operations, ensuring sufficient resources for a successful operation.

• Assess incident needs, considering age, occupancy, and height variations in high-rise structures.

Extra Alarm Companies

• Extra alarm companies report to exterior staging (Level II) per Incident Command SOG 403.

Primary Search and Evacuation

• All occupants must be accounted for.
• Follow guidelines in the "Search/Evacuation Appendix.

Rapid Ascent Team

• Assign one suppression company to every stairwell, known as a Rapid Ascent Team (RAT).
• RAT members repeatedly search for occupants in the stairwell and aid in their removal.
• RAT will coordinate with Fire Attack and Ventilation Teams and periodically report stairwell conditions.
• RAT should obtain master keys and use radio designations RAT 1, RAT 2, or as needed.

Ventilation/HVAC

• Immediately clear the building of smoke and gases
• This requires a coordinated approach with radio designation “Vent 1, 2” as needed.
• Follow the guidelines of Appendix C Ventilation.

Fire Attack

• Reinforce the Fire Attack Team with additional teams and ensure continuous relief for working teams.

Communications

• High Rise Fires operate on a Designated B-Flight (B-1, B-5, ETC.).
• Activate a portable Radio Repeater in the event of Portable Radio malfunction.
• The incident commander will assign all Interior Crews a Repeater Channel using Portable Radios.
• All "Apparatus Radios," as well as all personnel assigned to "Exterior Assignments," use the designated Bravo Channel.

EMS/Triage

• Remove all patients and evacuees and move them to a safe location for triage, either inside or outside the structure.
• Once in triage, all patients & evacuees will be treated as per MCI SOG 413.
• The radio designation for this this function will be “EMS GROUP".
• The Rescue District Chief will manage on scene.
• The Rescue Chief must ensure a reserve of stair chairs and bariatric drag blankets are available based on occupancy type.

Elevators

• A Firefighter operator with an SCBA, radio, and set of irons must be assigned and placed in Fire Service Mode if elevators are used.
• The Firefighter operator will remain with the car, coordinating transport of personnel and equipment with “Lobby Control” and “Forward Staging”.

Safety Parameter

• Establish a safety perimeter around the structure as soon as practical.
• Law enforcement will maintain this area throughout the incident.

Secondary Priorities

• Secondary priorities includes assignments and tasks are important to manage but are secondary to the immediate priorities due to size of incident.

Rehab

• A forward rehab area must be established as soon as practical.
• If the fire is on an upper floor, the rehab area is two floors below the fire floor.
• A Forward rehab will have an equipped, staffed ALS component.
• The Forward Staging Officer in coordination with the Rescue District Chief manages This area.

Utilities

• Secure and monitor all utilities based on the incident.
• A member of the building's engineering department must assist firefighters due to building‘s complex nature.

Other tasks

• A thorough secondary search of all floors, elevators, and exterior areas.
• Salvage: Water removal, sprinkler valves may be turned off possibility of reopening.
• Large quantities of salvage covers may be needed due to potential water.

Logistical Support

• Consider a Stairway Support Group is needed if elevator use is not available and the Forward Staging is above the 7th floor
• These personnel will not be allowed to be in hazardous conditions, so PPE shall be minimal.
• Moving patients or materials only three floors at a time can be more efficient.
• The use of personnel committed to transporting full cylinders to the lobby and empty ones to the Air Supply Unit can supply SCBA cylinders.
• Lobby Control determines methods of transport.
• The remote fill station has a lower CFM ability, which allows filling at a lower rate within the building.
• The EMS Group assess medical needs and the number of patients on scene.
• Request additional units to move patients from upper floors.