Fighting fires in high rise buildings can present several challenges to every fire department. Less frequent than the “bread and butter” incidents we respond to daily, the intricacies presented by these structures and their systems make the event an even greater challenge. Engine and Truck Companies will both face major but different challenges in these buildings. In this program, we will focus on best practices for these companies at High-Rise fires.

We will discuss the support of the sprinkler and standpipe systems, high rise hose packs, nozzle selection, fire flow and best practices for line deployment. We will also look at the search within these large buildings, RIT Operations, and the Incident Command System. A review of several case studies will ensure students leave the class with a better working knowledge of high rise firefighting and the details included in the responses. We will put these skills to work by building, deploying, and flowing our handlines and making connections to building systems, as well as work on searches in the hallways, specific rooms, and elevators.

An incident in a private dwelling differs greatly from one in a high rise. More resources are needed, and the event can last for hours. Students will walk away with a better understanding of box alarm card set-ups, arrival assignments, strategy and tactics, and working together to operate in a coordinated fire attack in these high-risk/low frequency events.