Highrise Building Fires

First Arriving Engine Company

 * Approach scene cautiously and position apparatus appropriately.
 * Establish command.
 * Declare working incident if appropriate.
 * Locate and tie in to the nearest water supply or relay the location to other responding units.
 * Consider tying in to the fire department connection.
 * Park with at least one traffic lane between the engine and the building, allowing the arriving Truck Company to park on the inside.
 * Consider taking control of alarm panel and capturing elevator, if applicable.
 * Utilize a 2 ½-inch line with a gated wye to the access area then tie into that with a high-rise pack. Advise second due apparatus to connect their high-rise pack to the same wye.
 * Consider applying straight streams directly upon the external fire to prevent fire progress.
 * Place attack lines to protect trapped and immediately endangered occupants; to protect paths of egress for occupants and firefighting personnel; to prevent loss of property.
 * Attack crews are primarily responsible for performing a primary search of the involved room and general area.

Second Arriving Engine Company

 * Check into incident management system, establish command if not already completed.
 * Establish water supply if not already completed.
 * Locate and tie in to the fire department connection if not already completed.
 * Position apparatus for tactical operations. If aerial equipped, consider the following:
 * 1) Rescue
 * 2) Exposure protection
 * 3) Attack support
 * Report to Command for additional tasks. These may include one or more of the following:
 * 1) Building evacuation
 * 2) RIT (Mandatory if not already established)
 * 3) Lay additional supply lines
 * 4) Use attack lines from the first engine company
 * 5) Assist the first company with their lines
 * 6) Perform search and rescue
 * 7) Perform truck company functions, (rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, etc.)
 * 8) Perform other tasks as required by the Incident Commander.

Third Arriving Engine Company

 * Stage and wait for assignment from Command.
 * Identify secondary water supplies. Consider alternate approach to the scene and access to the rear of the building.
 * Position apparatus for tactical operations. If aerial equipped, consider the following:
 * 1) Rescue
 * 2) Aerial Ladder Operations / Exposure protection
 * 3) Attack support

Note: Medic unit should be staged away from the scene, parked in the direction leaving the scene.


 * Report to Command for additional assignments. These may include one or more of the following:
 * 1) RIT (Mandatory if not already established).
 * 2) Building evacuation
 * 3) Lay additional supply lines and supply FDC if indicated.
 * 4) Establish attack lines/ back up lines / exposure lines.
 * 5) Provide relay pumping operation.
 * 6) Perform search and rescue.
 * 7) Perform truck company functions (rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, etc.).
 * 8) Provide Rehab.
 * 9) Perform other tasks as required by the Incident Commander.

Truck Company

 * Position aerial for tactical operations; consider the following:
 * 1) Rescue
 * 2) Exposure protection
 * 3) Attack support
 * Unless ordered otherwise, raise the aerial from the bed in preparation for use while the Company Officer checks in to Command.
 * Report to Incident Command for assignment, this may include one or more of the following:
 * 1) Search and Rescue (T-6A)
 * 2) above fire
 * 3) adjoining fire floor units/rooms
 * 4) additional floors above the fire
 * 5) other areas as needed to accomplish tactical priorities


 * 1) Forcible Entry – all doors (T-6B)
 * 2) Ventilation (T-6B)
 * Also Consider:
 * 1) Ground Ladders (egress/escape, roof)
 * 2) Utility Control (including water, gas, or electric as necessary)
 * 3) Salvage / Overhaul
 * 4) Emergency shoring of structural components
 * 5) Other tasks as indicated by the incident commander.

First Arriving Medic Unit

 * Check into command
 * Position medic unit in the most advantageous location for tactical operations. Consider parking adjacent to the structure, away from the path of incoming apparatus.
 * Don protective gear appropriate for incident as determined by the Incident Commander or Safety Officer.
 * Consider set-up of Rehabilitation Group and prepare to receive injured civilians or firefighters.