HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
Procedures for fighting fires in high-rise buildings are divided into three categories, namely:
I. Completed Structures
II. Buildings under Construction
III. Use of Portable Radios in High-Rise Buildings
1.1 DEFINITIONS
HIGH-RISE BUILDING
A building having the following features of construction not usually found in older type structures:
a. Over seventy (70) feet in height;
b. Core type construction;
c. Extensive elevator systems;
d. Building fire pumps;
e. Sophisticated wiring systems;
f. Central air conditioning;
g. Standpipes;
h. Sealed windows;
i. Emergency generators;
j. Computer areas;
k. Plenum areas;
l. One in which complete evacuation is not practical;
m. One in which the fire must be fought internally due to the height of the
building.
BUILDING SECURITY CENTER
A pre-designated area established for each building (preferably the Central Control Room) where
the building superintendent will be present, and information relative to the following shall be
available to the Incident Commander:
a. Air conditioning system;
b. Fire pumps;
c. Emergency generator;
d. Elevators;
e. Central communication system;
f. Alarm system controls;
g. Security force;
h. Location of stairways;
i. Necessary keys for elevators, windows, doors, etc.
MAIN COMMAND POST
The Main Command Post shall be located as directed by the Incident Commander. The Fire Alarm
Office shall be notified as to its location. The Command Post shall be under the control of the
Incident Commander and staffed by such personnel as deemed necessary.
UPPER COMMAND POST
An operating area established two (2) or more floors below the fire floor and under the control of a
chief fire officer. This area will be used for supplying special equipment, additional hose, air
masks, oxygen and air cylinders, tools, radios, and keys. Consideration must be given to a possible
electrical power failure and all essential equipment should be sent up while power is still available.
EVACUATION CHIEF
Evacuation procedures will be established by the Evacuation Chief under the direction of the
Incident Commander. The Evacuation Chief will establish an evacuation channel through the Fire
Alarm Office. The Evacuation Chief will monitor the evacuation channel. The Evacuation Chief's
Aide will monitor the fireground channel.
Duties of the Evacuation Chief Include:
1. Evacuation (horizontal and vertical).
2. Stairway search and control.
3. Elevator search and control.
4. Refuge areas.
Also refer to S.O.P. #2A for a more complete description of the Evacuation Chief’s responsibilities.
I. COMPLETED STRUCTURES
1.2 The following operational procedures are intended to assist the Incident Commander.
Nothing in these procedures shall prevent the Incident Commander from taking any action deemed
necessary.
