HomeMy WebLinkAbout202.004 - High-Rise
STANDARD OPERATING MANUAL
TACTICAL OPERATIONS
202.004 HIGH RISE
EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 2019
Current Revision Date: 06/21/21 Next Revision Date: 06/21/23
Author’s Name/Rank: John Creasy, Fire Captain Review Level: 1
Administrative Support: Crystal Giannopulos,
Senior Administrative Clerk
ADA
PURPOSE
To establish a standard and consistent method for the Fresno Fire Department to
combat fires in High-Rise buildings.
APPLICATION
This document provides tactical considerations and operational procedures for
members responding to reported fires in High-Rise buildings and is used in
conjunction with the Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section 202.023,
Structure Fires.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
This section is intentionally left blank.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Do not take a residential structure fire approach to a fire in a high-rise
building.
Request additional alarms if smoke present.
TAC Channels should be utilized at the beginning of the incident.
Apparatus should support fire protection systems.
PROCESS
1. First-In Officer/Apparatus:
The first-in officer is instrumental to the organization of the overall
incident. A well-organized incident is the key to ensuring the safety and
accountability of all members on scene. The first in officer is responsible
for:
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a. Size-Up: Conduct a size-up using the elements described in
Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section 202.023,
Structure Fires.
Use personal knowledge or existing pre-plans to assist
with size-up.
b. Situational Awareness -Gather Intelligence:
Utilize the buildings alarm and security systems with a
focus on determining location of fire.
High life hazard, avoid getting drawn into the rescue
problem.
Early water is the fastest way to save largest number
of people.
Make contact with onsite personnel.
c. Ensure a 360 completed:
Utilize division/companies to assist with 360.
d. Follow up radio report: As described in Standard Operation
Procedures Manual, Section 202.023, Structure Fires.
e. Additional Considerations:
Develop plan based on incident priorities.
I. Life vs. incident stabilization.
II. Declare Rescue Mode early if Life Hazard.
Rescue/Evacuation vs. Extinguishment.
I. Search/rescue/evacuation/shelter in place.
II. Utilization of VEIS for victim removal.
III. Utilize law enforcement for evacuation
assistance in non-IDLH areas.
f. Access:
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Limited entrance and egress to complex.
Consider using multiple water supplies with dedicated
pumpers to each system.
Determine the best access for fire attack.
2. Additional Apparatus Considerations:
Consider optimal locations for trucks.
Stage early arriving engines in Base to allow for
optimal placement of trucks.
3. EMS:
Request additional EMS units for potential patients.
Request EMS Supervisor to assign as Medical Branch
Director.
4. First Chief Officer:
a. Refer to Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Section 202.023,
Structure Fires.
Request additional alarms.
Maintain adequate resources in staging.
INFORMATION
High-rise fires are low-frequency, high-risk events. They are personnel intensive, long
duration incidents, which will 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
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Building construction/preplan information
Water delivery capabilities
DEFINITIONS
The pneumonic CARLS Base and DATE have been developed to assist with
organizing, prioritizing, and implementing resource management at the high-rise
event.
C – Command
A – Attack
R – RIC
L – Lobby
S – Staging
B – Base
D -Direction – Avenue of travel from place to place (i.e. Stairwell #2, elevator).
A -Assignment – Who and where to report to (i.e. Staging, 7th floor).
T -TAC Channel – Confirm channel in use prior to starting assignment.
E -Equipment – PPE, passports, and any specific equipment requested.
CROSS-REFERENCES
High Rise Quick Reference Guides
Standard Operation Procedures Manual,
Section 202.023, Structure Fires.
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