HomeMy WebLinkAboutHigh Rise Guide Fresno Fire Department
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Fresno Fire Department High Rise Guide
Fresno Fire Department
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Current Revision Date: 12/08/2021 Next Revision Date: 12/08/2024
Reviewer Name/Rank: Dave Doss, Captain Review Level: 1
Administrative Support: Manuel Graves, Civilian
Training Officer
ADA
Table of Contents
PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................... 4
POLICY ........................................................................................................................... 4
APPLICATION ................................................................................................................ 4
TYPICAL FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS .................................................................... 7
Initial Actions of First-Arriving Company Officer ................................................... 9
Incident Commander (IC) ..................................................................................... 9
Operations .......................................................................................................... 13
Fire Attack/Investigation ..................................................................................... 15
RIC Group Supervisor ........................................................................................ 18
Logistics ............................................................................................................. 19
Lobby Control ..................................................................................................... 22
Stairwell Support ................................................................................................ 25
Systems Control Unit Leader .............................................................................. 27
Ground Support .................................................................................................. 28
Staging ............................................................................................................... 29
Rehab ................................................................................................................. 32
Base ................................................................................................................... 33
ELEVATORS ................................................................................................................ 35
Operation and Design ......................................................................................... 35
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Elevator Firefighting Operations ......................................................................... 35
Elevator Rescue Operations and Procedures .................................................... 35
FORMS ......................................................................................................................... 35
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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 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
Building construction/preplan information
Water delivery capabilities
A working high-rise fire will present many challenges for firefighters. A clear and
organized plan of attack must quickly be implemented to ensure the best chance of a
successful outcome. 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).
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DO NOT TAKE A HOUSE FIRE APPROACH TO A FIRE IN A HIGH-RISE BUILDING.
HIGH-RISE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM
Review FIRESCOPE 2015
Finance
Section
Medical
Unit
Stairwell
Support
Base
Communications
Lobby (Systems)
Control
Logistics
Section
Technical
Specialists
Demob
Unit
Document
Unit
Situation
Unit
Resources
Unit
Planning
Section
RIC
Div.
RIC
Div.
Branches
Staging
Operations
Section
Information
Liaison
Safety
IncidentCommand
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HIGH-RISE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM
OPERATIONS
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The following section provides a check list to assist our members when tasked with high-
rise specific ICS positions.
Refer to FOG 420-1 2017, for information on the Incident Command System and detailed
information on standard ICS functional positions.
TYPICAL FIRST ALARM ASSIGNMENTS
If the initial arriving IC declares an Offensive Mode and assigns crews interior for fire
attack, the IC must commit much of the first alarm assignment to directly supporting the
fire attack crew. This includes providing enough personnel and equipment to get an initial
attack and two-out line in service prior to the fire attack crew entering the IDLH (unless a
rescue situation is present). In addition, resources should be allocated for Rapid
Intervention Crew (RIC) (with a hose line), standpipe and sprinkler connections.
Typical Offensive Mode assignments
1. Command - Company officer of first arriving apparatus or Battalion Chief
2. Investigation/Fire Attack - Seven people preferred, typically first two engines
and first truck
3. RIC - Five people minimum, typically one truck and one engine
4. Water Supply - Standpipe addressed by first engineer (relay pumping) or first
two engineers (tandem pumping), Sprinklers by next available engine
5. Lobby - Captain, followed by Firefighter, from engine assigned to sprinkler
connection
6. Staging - Last arriving engine of first alarm
NOTE: The above allocation of resources should be used as a guideline and may be
modified to fit the situation presented upon arrival.
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
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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.
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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
Initial Actions of First-Arriving Company Officer
1. Reference: Standard Operating Procedures Section, 202.023 Structure Fires
Policy
Incident Commander (IC)
Functional Location
1. Incident Command Post (ICP)
Reports to
1. Ultimate authority on scene
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a. Communicates with Dispatch and Operations.
I. When Operations has not been established the IC will also
communicate with all on scene resources.
Responsibilities
1. 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
Strategy and Tactics
1. Establish Command and Identify Command Post Location
a. Minimum 200’ from incident
2. Develop an Incident Action Plan (IAP)
a. Determine Mode
i. Rescue
ii. Investigation
iii. Offensive
iv. Defensive
b. Establish clear strategic and tactical objectives.
3. Assign crews to address CARLS Base
4. Establish initial communications plan (TAC channels, etc.)
a. Expand communications plan as incident grows.
i. Command/ TAC channels
ii. Assign members to assist with communications
iii. Request Communications Team response
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5. Support Fire Attack Group
a. Water Supply Group
i. Set up Relay/Tandem Pumping (Reference: Hose Practices
Guide Chapter 8).
ii. Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections (Reference: Hose Practices
Guide Chapter 11)
b. RIC
c. Rescue/Evacuation Group
d. Staging Area Manager
6. Determine a location for base and air operations
7. Fill Command Staff positions (as needed)
a. Liaison Officer
b. Safety Officer
c. Public Information Officer
8. Assign incoming Chief Officers
a. Support Fire Suppression and Rescue functions
i. Operations Section Chief
1. Typically, one floor below fire floor
ii. Branch Directors
1. Suppression, Medical, and/or Air Operations
iii. Division/Group Supervisors
1. Identified by floor number, and/or functional assignment
iv. Logistics
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v. Planning
vi. Additional positions as needed
9. Investigation
10. Demobilization
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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 and EMS operations, and air operations.
a. Utilizes branch / division / group supervisors
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
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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
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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 firefighter
b. Ventilation
c. Other functional positions as needed
Responsibilities
1. Establish a safe route to the emergency, assess the scope of the emergency,
provide the IC with a CAN (conditions, actions, needs) report, and take measures
to mitigate the emergency
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Strategy and Tactics
1. Typically, three crews
a. One member assigned as Fire Attack Group Leader
2. Determine 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. High Rise Hose Packs and 2 ½” supply hose
c. High Rise Equipment Bag
d. TIC
e. Rope Bag(s)
f. Irons
g. Pike Pole / hook
4. 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
5. 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
6. Assess situation and provide report on conditions to IC
a. Assess status of elevators for future use
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i. Confirm elevator shaft is clear of smoke/fire
b. Designate Attack/Evacuation stairwells
i. Typically, stairwell with roof access used for Fire Attack
c. 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
7. Develop action plan (report to IC)
8. Begin suppression efforts
a. Reference “FFD Hose Practices Guide-High Rise Hose Operations” for hose
deployment options.
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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.
*For additional information reference “Fresno Operational Area Rapid Intervention
Standard Operating Guidelines”.
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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
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.
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a. Air bottles/refill
b. Supply 1/Utility 1
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
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.
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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.
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Lobby Control
Functional Location
1. Lobby of Fire Building
a. Elevator lobby
b. Stairwell access
Reports to
1. Logistics
a. May communicate directly with Staging, Base and/or Stairwell Support.
Responsibilities
1. Begins accountability monitoring of members (passports).
2. Controls vertical access of members to known safe routes.
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3. Controls and operates elevators.
4. Coordinates movement of supplies between Base and Staging.
5. 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:
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 passport/accountability system.
i. Verify companies have passports, 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.
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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
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.
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Stairwell Support
Functional Location
1. Designated stairwell
Reports to
1. Logistics
a. May communicate directly with Lobby
b. Communicates with members in stairwell
Responsibilities
1. 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, if needed.
4. Coordinate RIC location and access.
5. Supervise evacuation via the stairwells.
Strategies and Tactics
1. Determine stairwell 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.
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a. Coats and SCBA need to be available but not necessarily worn.
4. Arrange for relief during extended periods.
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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 form 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.
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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.
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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
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Strategy and Tactics
1. Verify location of staging with IC or Operations.
2. Plan layout of staging area and identify with signs taped to 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.
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
i. Lighting
j. Ladders
k. Pike poles
l. Salvage equipment
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m. Air monitoring equipment
n. EMS equipment
5. Designate a Staging Area Manager to maintain records of all resources entering
and leaving staging
a. As members enter Staging, obtain passports.
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.
c. Return passports 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.
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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 passport/accountability system
5. Release firefighters who have adequately rehabbed back to Staging.
6. Control stairway access to prevent members from bypassing Rehab.
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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. Maintain 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
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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
passport/accountability system.
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.
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ELEVATORS
Operation and Design
FFD Reference Guide – Elevator Operations Rescue Guide
Elevator Firefighting Operations
Reference: Standard Operating Procedures Section, 202.005a 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