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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHigh Rise Guide (Draft Copy) Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 1 DRAFT Prepared by: Chad Brisendine, Fire Captain August 22, 2025 Fresno Fire Department High Rise Guide Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 2 DRAFT Table of Contents PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 3 POLICY ........................................................................................................................... 3 APPLICATION ................................................................................................................ 3 TYPICAL FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS .................................................................... 6 Initial Actions of First-Arriving Company Officer ................................................... 8 Incident Commander (IC) ..................................................................................... 8 Operations .......................................................................................................... 12 Fire Attack/Investigation ..................................................................................... 14 RIC Group Supervisor ........................................................................................ 16 Lobby Control ..................................................................................................... 17 Staging .............................................................................................................. 17 Base ................................................................................................................... 24 Logistics ............................................................................................................ 26 Stairwell Support ............................................................................................... 29 Systems Control Unit Leader ............................................................................. 31 Ground Support ................................................................................................. 32 Rehab ................................................................................................................ 32 ELEVATORS ................................................................................................................ 32 Operation and Design ......................................................................................... 32 Elevator Firefighting Operations ......................................................................... 32 Elevator Rescue Operations and Procedures .................................................... 32 FORMS ......................................................................................................................... 32 Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 3 DRAFT PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish operational guidelines required to successfully combat fires in high-rise buildings. POLICY It is Department policy to educate, train, and equip our members for the rigors and challenges of fighting fires in high-rise buildings. Reference Standard Operating Procedures Section 202.004, High-Rise Policy. APPLICATION High-rise fires are low frequency, high risk events. They are personnel intensive, long duration incidents that tax the Department's capabilities and resources. Fighting fires in high-rise buildings require a strong ICS, good communications, clear objectives, specialized tools, and well trained, disciplined crews. The risk to firefighters cannot be overemphasized. Strategies and tactics used to address high-rise fires should be developed based on: • Rescue/evacuation needs • Size of fire • Effectiveness of fire control systems • Available resources • Building construction/preplanning information • Water delivery capabilities A working high-rise fire will present many challenges for firefighters. To ensure the best chance of a successful outcome, a clear and organized plan of attack must quickly be implemented. Trigger points for disengaging the fire attack team must be established. If progress is not being made, if personnel or equipment are delayed, or if water delivery problems arise, crews must consider backing out and exiting the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH). Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 4 DRAFT DO NOT TAKE A HOUSE FIRE APPROACH TO A FIRE IN A HIGH-RISE BUILDING. HIGH-RISE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM Review FIRESCOPE 2022 FIRST ALARM SECOND ALARM THIRD ALARM All responding support staff and additional alarms will report to BASE and await assignment Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 5 DRAFT HIGH-RISE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM OPERATIONS Air Support Group AirAttack Group Air OperationsBranch Salvage Group VentilationGroup Ventilation/SalvageBranch RIC Division 14 RIC Division13 RIC Division12 SprinklerSystem Group StandpipeGroup WaterSupply Fire AttackBranch EMS Group Search & RescueGroup Rescue/EMS Branch Staging OperationsSection Information LiaisonSafety Incident Command Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 6 DRAFT The following section provides a check list to assist our members when tasked with high- rise specific ICS positions. Refer to FOG 420-1 2022, for information on the Incident Command System and detailed information on standard ICS functional positions. TYPICAL FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS Due to the reflex time and crew resource allocation for high rise fires a Rescue Strategy should be declared, and the first arriving IC should assign crews interior for fire attack. The IC must commit a significant portion of the first alarm assignment to directly support the fire attack crew. This includes providing enough personnel and equipment to establish an initial attack line and preparing for a backup line when enough personnel are available. The priority is to establish a primary attack line and get water flowing on the fire as quickly as possible. Typical Rescue Strategy assignments 1. First Arriving Engine – Establish Command. a. Other responsibilities include: i. Establish Lobby Control (reinforce with Squad). ii. Identify fire attack and evacuation stairwells. iii. Identify which unit will lay a supply line to the first due engine. iv. First arriving engineer will supply standpipe or combination system. 2. Second/Third Engine & First Truck - Fire Attack/Investigations. a. Other responsibilities include: i. Confirm fire attack stairwell and main fire floor. ii. Equipment should be placed outside the fire attack stairwell one floor below the fire. iii. The Third Engine Company engineer to take stand pipe control engineer assignment. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 7 DRAFT iv. The Truck Company engineer to spot the truck appropriately and announce its location. 3. First two engineers – Water Supply. a. Considerations include: i. Address standpipe and sprinkler system. 4. Fourth Engine – Establish a Division one floor below the fire floor. a. Other considerations include: i. Firefighters assist with the fire attack line. 5. Fifth Engine – Establish Staging 2 floors below the fire floor. 6. Second Truck – Assist with operations on the fire floor. a. Other responsibilities: i. Spot truck appropriately and announce location. ii. Scout above the fire to ensure fire attack and evacuation stairwell is isolated, conduct evacuation, and search above fire floors to the roof. iii. Guide evacuees to the evacuation stairwell. 7. First BC – Assume command; establish command post in advantageous location. 8. Second BC - Report to IC and be guided by their direction to assume Command, Operations, a Branch, or a Division. NOTE: The above allocation of resources should be used as a guideline and may be modified to fit the situation presented upon arrival. RIC should be considered and established as soon as resources are available. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 8 DRAFT ACTIONS The following section provides recommended procedures for high-rise operations and should not limit members from adjusting strategies and/or tactics to fit real life scenarios. Every fire scenario will present differently. Life safety should be of paramount concern when formulating a plan to deal with the emergency. The IC may be presented with trapped civilians who will have to be rescued immediately via aerial ladders, fire escapes or interior rescue groups. The need to commit initial resources to a rescue may trump the need for a quick-fire attack, but often, a quick extinguishment of a developing fire will prove to be the best use of resources. The pneumonic CARLS Base and DATE have been developed to assist with organizing, prioritizing, and implementing resource management at the high-rise event and will be discussed in greater detail later in this policy. C – Command D – Direction A – Attack A – Assignment R – RIC T – TAC Channel L – Lobby E – Equipment S – Staging B – Base Dispatched Alarms 1. First Alarm - 5 Engines, 2 Trucks, 2 Squads, 2BC, SAF1 a. Working Fire – Additional BC, I01 2. Additional Alarms - 2 Engines, 1 Truck Initial Actions of First-Arriving Company Officer 1. Reference: Standard Operating Procedures Section, 202.023 Structure Fires Policy Incident Commander (IC) 1. Functional Location: a. Incident Command Post (ICP) Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 9 DRAFT 2. Reports to: a. Ultimate authority on scene. i. Communicates with Dispatch and Operations. a) When Operations have not been established the IC will also communicate with all on-scene resources. 3. Responsibilities a. The Incident Commander is responsible for all incident activities including the development and implementation of strategic decisions. This responsibility also includes the results of those decisions. In addition, the IC is accountable for all functional responsibilities that have not been assigned. 4. Strategy and Tactics a. Establish Command and Identify Command Post Location. i. Command Post may be in lobby until relieved by first BC. ii. First BC/relieving IC can set up ICP in advantageous location for the incident after transfer of command is completed. iii. Determine Strategy a) Rescue b) Offensive c) Defensive ii. Establish clear strategic and tactical objectives. b. Assign crews to address CARLS Base c. Establish initial communications plan (TAC channels, etc.) i. Expand communications plan as incident grows. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 10 DRAFT a) Command b) TAC channels (minimum two) c) Assign members to assist with communications b. Support Fire Attack Assignment i. Water Supply Assignment a) Set up Relay Pumping if necessary (Reference: Hose Practices Guide Chapter 8). b) Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections (Reference: Hose Practices Guide Chapter 11) ii. RIC iii. Rescue/Evacuation Assignment iv. Staging Area Manager c. Determine a location for base and air operations d. Fill Command Staff positions (as needed) i. Liaison Officer ii. Safety Officer iii. Public Information Officer e. Assign incoming Chief Officers i. Support Fire Suppression and Rescue functions a) Operations Section Chief i) Typically, one floor below fire floor b) Branch Directors i) Suppression, Medical, and/or Air Operations Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 11 DRAFT c) Division/Group Supervisors i) Identified by floor number, and/or functional assignment d) Logistics e) Planning f) Additional positions as needed f. Investigation g. Demobilization Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 12 DRAFT Operations Functional Location 1. Normally inside the building one floor below the fire floor Reports to 1. Incident Commander a. Monitors Command channel and TAC channels used by suppression crews Responsibilities 1. Manages suppression, rescue, EMS operations, and air operations. a. Utilizes branch, division, and/or groups 2. Consults with the IC regarding the overall strategy and tactics to be employed Strategy and Tactics 1. Establishes operational command a. Consider additional personnel to assist with managing resources (Deputy Operations Chief) 2. Consult with IC 3. Develop action plan 4. Communicate strategy, tactics, and action plan to subordinate officers a. Implement action plan 5. Assign companies / members (including) a. Divisions/groups b. RIC c. Lobby d. Staging Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 13 DRAFT e. Rehab f. Base 6. Determine and maintain adequate resources a. Water supply b. Equipment c. Members, including relief 7. Communicate with logistics officer a. Communications needs b. Present and future needs (members and equipment) 8. Conduct a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) every 30 minutes and following significant changes in the incident 9. Record activities Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 14 DRAFT Fire Attack/Investigation Functional Location 1. Fire floors Reports to 1. Incident Commander or Operations if established 2. May communicate directly with: a. Water supply group or Standpipe Engineer b. Ventilation c. Other functional positions as needed Responsibilities 1. Identify or confirm fire attack stairwell, assess the scope of the emergency, provide the IC with a CAN (conditions, actions, needs) report, and take measures to mitigate the emergency Strategy and Tactics 1. Typically, three crews a. One member assigned to oversee the Fire Attack assignment addressed as their unit identifier 2. Confirm appropriate radio designator and TAC channel 3. Gather necessary initial high-rise equipment, including but not limited to: a. Keys (as needed) from lock box b. 300’ 2 ½” Hose minimum to include bundles from line 2 hose bed and nozzle from first engine companies c. High Rise Equipment Bag d. TIC e. Rope Bag(s) Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 15 DRAFT f. Irons g. Pike Pole / hook h. CO monitor 4. Proceed to emergency location to investigate a. Use safe route (stairs, split bank elevator) i. Clear each floor and provide a CAN report to the IC 5. Assess situation and provide report on conditions to IC a. Assess status of elevators for future use i. Confirm elevator shaft is clear of smoke/fire/water b. Assess life hazard, firefighting, and ventilation needs i. Visualize floor above for fire conditions / rescue needs ii. Visualize floor below for possible building layout iii. Request additional resources 6. Develop action plan (report to IC) 7. Begin suppression efforts a. Reference “FFD Hose Practices Guide-High Rise Hose Operations” for hose deployment options. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 16 DRAFT RIC Group Supervisor Functional Location 1. Should remain mobile on the incident. Reports to 1. Operations Responsibilities 1. Management of Rapid Intervention Crews. 2. Evaluate tactical operations in progress. 3. Evaluate floor plans above and below emergency operations. 4. Assign and brief Rapid Intervention Crew(s) based on number of stairwells and floors used for emergency operations. 5. Notify Operations or IC when RIC is operational and/or deployed. 6. Develop Rapid Intervention Crew(s) contingency plans. 7. In the event of a deployment it is assumed that the second line on the primary standpipe will deploy with RIC. *For additional information reference “Fresno Operational Area Rapid Intervention Standard Operating Guidelines”. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 17 DRAFT Lobby Control Functional Location 1. Lobby of Fire Building a. Elevator lobby b. Stairwell access c. Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) Reports to 1. Logistics a. May communicate directly with Staging, Base and/or Stairwell Support. Responsibilities 1. Enter lobby/fire control room: a. Access building keys from lock box b. Verify location and type of alarm on fire annunciator panel c. Review surveillance cameras d. Speak with staff/building maintenance to gain additional information 2. Begins accountability monitoring of members with accountability system. 3. Designate Attack/Evacuation stairwells i. Typically, stairwell with roof access used for Fire Attack 4. Controls vertical access of members to known safe routes. 5. Controls and operates elevators. 6. Coordinates movement of supplies between Base and Staging. 7. May assume the functions of the Systems Control Unit during the initial period of the incident, or in a less complex building which may include the following responsibilities: Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 18 DRAFT a. Monitor fire alarm control panel and fire pump. b. Control air handling systems. Strategy and Tactics 1. Provide a safe exit for building occupants. 2. Maintain control of all entries and exits. a. Utilize the accountability system. i. Verify companies are utilizing accountability system, but do not collect. ii. Shall be utilized by all members when making entry into the building. 3. Coordinate the movement of members and equipment through the lobby between base and staging. 4. Provide information to members entering the building utilizing pneumonic DATE (Direction, Assignment, TAC Channel, Equipment). a. Reported location of fire b. Safety of elevators c. Method to ascend (stairway or elevator) i. Maintain records of all members and equipment entering and exiting the building utilizing department tracking logs. 5. Maintain control of elevators and stairways. a. Recall elevators to lobby and determine if safe. b. Locate stairway ground floor openings. c. Designate stairways for specific use. 6. Control building utilities a. Shut down air-handling system if fire is present. i. Consult building engineer Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 19 DRAFT b. Control power to building i. Provide support for maintaining fuel levels in building's emergency generators. c. Assign members to the fire-alarm control room. d. Assign members to the fire pump. e. Initial pressurization of stairwell f. Establish medical triage area. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 20 DRAFT Staging Functional Location 1. Normally located two floors below the fire floor a. Large, uncongested area b. Adjacent to designated stairway and/or elevator Reports to 1. Operations 2. May communicate directly with Base and Rehab Responsibilities 1. Maintains reserve force of personnel a. Ready for immediate deployment b. Staffed at a level specified by the Incident Commander 2. Maintains supplies of reserve equipment Strategy and Tactics 1. Verify location of staging with IC or Operations. 2. Plan layout of staging area and identify with signs/chalk/marker on wall. a. Check-in b. Reserve members c. Air station (unused/used) d. Equipment station 3. Consult IC or Operations to determine resource levels to be maintained in staging. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 21 DRAFT 4. Develop equipment inventory needed and order specific quantities from base, consider: a. Air bottles and spare SCBAs b. Fire hose and nozzles c. Radios, chargers, and spare batteries d. Thermal Imaging Cameras e. Forcible entry tools f. Chainsaws / Circular Saws/ Reciprocating Saws g. Hydraulic Tools and generator h. Exhaust fans (Consideration of battery powered fans first) i. Lighting j. Ladders k. Pike poles l. Salvage equipment m. Air monitoring equipment n. EMS equipment o. Carryalls/stair chairs 5. Designate a Staging Area Manager to maintain records of all resources entering and leaving staging a. As members enter Staging, obtain accountability system i. Companies should remain intact and not depart from staging until deployed by the staging officer b. Log all personnel and equipment entering and leaving Staging. i. Utilize Department tracking logs. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 22 DRAFT c. Return accountability system as members leave Staging. i. Ensure they have a DATE. 1) Direction: Which stairwell or floor to report to 2) Assignment: Who and where to report (Division 5, ventilation group). 3) TAC channel 4) Equipment: Ensure proper PPE and equipment needs. 6. Any time reserves fall below specified levels, additional resources should be requested from Base. 7. Control stairway access to prevent members from bypassing Staging. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 23 DRAFT Base Functional Location 1. Safely away from building, at least 200 feet away a. Parking lot preferred to street parking Reports to 1. Logistics a. May communicate directly with Lobby with IC’s approval Responsibilities 1. Maintains and manage reserve force of apparatus with personnel a. Ready for immediate deployment Strategy and Tactics 1. Verifies location of Base with IC or Logistics a. Notify Dispatch of Base location 2. Consult with IC or Logistics to determine resource levels to be maintained 3. Control all companies assigned to Base. a. Companies assigned to base shall: i. Report to the Base officer. ii. Keep crew intact near apparatus . iii. Assist the Base officer as requested. b. Establish a security perimeter, block streets, control traffic, use law enforcement. c. Provide a safe corridor from Base to fire building. d. Maintain records of apparatus and members assigned using accountability system. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 24 DRAFT 4. Coordinate with Lobby the movement of resources from Base into fire building. a. Maintain communications with Lobby and Logistics. b. Prioritize equipment and members to be deployed. c. Communicate instructions to members utilizing pneumonic DATE. i. Direction: Safe route to building ii. Assignment: To Whom and where to report, with or without apparatus iii. TAC channel iv. Equipment: Specific equipment may have been requested. Logistics Functional Location 1. Primary location at the command post but should be mobile. a. Able to move between i. Base ii. Lobby iii. Staging Reports to 1. Incident Commander Responsibilities 1. Establish logistics command and confirm function organization. 2. Manage all logistical activities. a. Base Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 25 DRAFT b. Lobby control. c. Stairwell support d. Communications e. EMS for incident members 3. Effectively utilize all incident communications equipment and facilities, including distribution, maintenance, and repair. 4. Provide medical-aid and transportation for injured and ill incident members. 5. Provide food and refreshments at all incidents. 6. Coordinate members and equipment resources 7. Provide support facilities and supplies. a. Air bottles/refill b. Incident Support c. Public utilities d. Specialized equipment/members 5. Monitor and assess communications. a. Determine needs b. Radio frequencies c. Building telephone system d. Messengers e. Cellular telephones Strategy and Tactics 1. Consult with the incident commander and determine resource levels. a. Operation activities Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 26 DRAFT b. Logistical activities c. Reserves 2. Communicate with Operations a. Coordinate the movement of members and equipment between Base, Lobby Control, Stairwell Support, and Staging. b. Monitor and assess effectiveness of communications. 3. Logistics may establish the following units: a. Supply Unit: The Supply Unit orders equipment and supplies, receives and stores all supplies, and services nonexpendable supplies and equipment. b. Facilities Unit: The Facilities Unit provides the layout and activation of fixed facilities for an incident. Such facilities might be the command post, sanitation facilities, and/or staging areas for supplies. c. Ground Support Unit: The Ground Support unit handles the fueling of vehicles, the transportation of members and supplies, and the maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 27 DRAFT Stairwell Support Functional Location 1. Designated stairwell Reports to 1. Logistics a. May communicate directly with Lobby b. Communicates with members in stairwell Responsibilities 2. Coordinate movement of equipment via stairway. a. From entrance (ground level) to staging b. From roof (helicopter delivery) to staging 2. Coordinate deployment of auxiliary water supply, if needed. 3. Coordinate air pressurization of stairwells. 4. Coordinate RIC location and access. 5. Supervise evacuation via the stairwells. Strategies and Tactics 1. Determine stairwell is to be used; confirm with Logistics and Lobby Control. a. Advise IC of stairwell location. 2. Calculate members needed a. One member per two floors b. One company officer per five members 3. Members should be equipped with appropriate personal safety equipment, SCBAs, and lighting. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 28 DRAFT a. Coats and SCBA need to be available but not necessarily worn. 4. Arrange for relief during extended periods. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 29 DRAFT Systems Control Unit Leader Functional Location 1. Primary location at the command post but should be mobile. Reports to 1. Logistics a. Will report to the Support Branch Director (if established). Responsibilities 1. Obtain a briefing from Lobby Control Unit Leader to include the type and performance of built-in systems. 2. Establish communication with the following representatives: a. Building Engineer b. Utility company c. Elevator service personnel d. Security personnel 3. Assign personnel to monitor all building fire protection/life safety systems. 4. Evaluate the status and operation of the following systems: a. Fire and domestic water pumps and water supply. b. HVAC, smoke removal, and stairwell protection systems. c. Electrical, emergency power, and security systems. d. Telephone, emergency phone, and other building communications systems 5. Secure operations and release personnel as determined by the Demobilization Plan. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 30 DRAFT Ground Support Functional Location 1. Primary location at the Base but should be mobile. Reports to 1. Logistics a. Will report to the Support Branch Director (if established). Responsibilities 1. Facilitate the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies from Base to Staging. 2. Participates in Support Branch/Logistics Section planning activities. 3. Identify, establish, and implement safe access routes as identified in the Traffic and Personnel Movement Plans. 4. Assign personnel to the following tasks: a. Transport services to include stairwell, ground level, and general motor transport. b. Equipment fueling, maintenance, and support of apparatus and portable power equipment. c. SCBA air cylinder refilling, maintenance, and support. 5. Maintain inventory of support and transportation vehicles and maintenance, and fuel supplies. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 31 DRAFT Rehab Functional Location 1. Preferably one floor below Staging 2. Large area near stairwell Reports to 1. Logistics a. May communicate directly with Staging Responsibilities 1. Provide food, fluids and medical monitoring to members involved in Incident Strategy and Tactics 1. Verify location of Rehab with IC, Logistics and/or Staging 2. Request one or more medical units to monitor and treat firefighters (American Ambulance). 3. Request supplies to support Rehab functions as needed 4. Maintain records of firefighters reporting to and reassigned from Rehab. a. Utilize the accountability system 5. Release firefighters who have adequately rehabbed back to Staging. 6. Control stairway access to prevent members from bypassing Rehab. Fresno Fire Department December 2020 Page 32 DRAFT ELEVATORS Operation and Design FFD Reference Guide – Elevator Operations Rescue Guide Elevator Firefighting Operations Reference: Standard Operating Procedures Section, 202.005 Elevator Operations and Design. Elevator Rescue Operations and Procedures Reference: Standard Operating Procedures Section, 202.005b Elevator Rescue Operations and Procedures FORMS 1. ICS-214 - Activity Log 2. FD-66 - Rapid Intervention Crew Checklist 3. FD-67 - Firefighter Mayday Command Checklist