Although they are few in number, high-rise structures, because of characteristics such as a large number of occupants, building size, limited access, the potential for rapid and dynamic fire spread caused by HVAC systems, and building configuration, justify having a solid plan for handling an emergency in them. The need for such a plan becomes even more obvious when you consider the limited resources of a mid-sized municipal fire department such as ours.
The success of high-rise firefighting operations and the fire units’ initial strategy and actions depend on the following: a well-developed and practiced plan; coordination among the building’s staff, first-arriving units, and the incident commander; and accurate initial information.
Because of the potential life safety issues and limited availability of resources associated with a high-rise fire, our regional tactical plan is to get initial arriving companies to the fire floor quickly, to keep the fire in its incipient stages and away from the victims.
Another critical consideration in a high-rise fire is to establish a good multiagency working relationship before an event occurs. We found a good way to do this was through regional training exercises. At these training sessions, operations, tools, and techniques are discussed; regional teamwork is developed at all levels; turf barriers are broken down; and common objectives are established. These training sessions ensure that all emergency response agencies are better trained and better prepared, making them more effective on the fireground.
Use this week’s drill to plan your next multiagency high target hazard response drill.
Find the complete drill HERE.
