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## The Use of Helicopters in Firefighting The use of helicopters to place firefighters on the roof of a high-rise building for ventilation is a complex undertaking and must be investigated and practiced beforehand. It may not be possible during a serious fire. Upon reaching the roof, the team sh...

## The Use of Helicopters in Firefighting The use of helicopters to place firefighters on the roof of a high-rise building for ventilation is a complex undertaking and must be investigated and practiced beforehand. It may not be possible during a serious fire. Upon reaching the roof, the team should contact the IC (Incident Commander) and check the fire’s reaction to their briefly opening the roof door while the door to the fire area is also open. If the reaction is favorable, meaning the fire is not violently drawn toward the stair door on the fire floor, chock the roof door open. After doing this, chock open the door to the fire area. Once both of these doors have been opened, fire and heat will be drawn toward this stairway, which will act as a chimney. For this reason, this stairway is not a good place for the attack line to make its advance (*see figure 18-22*). After accomplishing this ventilation, make additional openings at the top of the elevator bulkheads and penthouses. Take care in venting the attack stairs. If fire is drawn toward the attack lines, you will have to close the roof door.