Suppression Emergency Operations Operations/003 HIGH_RISE.

Suppression Emergency Operations

Operations/003

HIGH_RISE

Oklahoma City Fire Department

To be used by all OCFD personnel during fire operations at High-Rise incidents

Not intended to limit the decision making abilities of the Incident CommanderLet the situation dictate the tactics used.

Introduction

Modern high rises are as much as 75% lighter in mass than earlier constructed buildings

2 ½ times the B.T.U’s from which the codes were developed

Capable of reaching flashover in less than 10 minutes

Typical response time of 20 minutesVertical Exposures as well as lateral

Ventilation will be difficult at best

High-Rise Overview

History has shown 200-300 personnel have been needed to mitigate high-rise fires.

A high-rise is defined as:Any incident that occurs or has the potential to

progress to a level at or above the fifth (5) floors above ground level.

Houston MAYDAY video

Resource Demand

1st Arriving officer will operate in the Fast-Attack Mode

If a working fire is confirmedCall for a “High-Rise Assignment.”

Equivalent to 5-Alarm66-85 OCFD personnel

Initial Radio Transmission:Arrival on sceneAddress and what side of the structure the

company is locatedApproximate number of floors and what type of

structureResidential or Commercial

If smoke or fire is showing

Initial Investigative Response

2- Engine Companies1- Rescue Ladder1- District Officer

1st arriving officer is “Command”1st Ladder officer is in charge of the

Investigation Group

Investigation Response

Rescue ladder officer:Attempt to get a copy of the building’s pre-planDetermine if any notifications or evacuation

announcements have been made.If no announcements have been made, inform

command.Determine whether the stairwell doors are

auto-unlockingIf they do not unlock, obtain keys to unlock doors if

possibleGet the main desk phone numberThe location of the fire/communications

command panel and confirm the location of the emergency

Investigation Group Leader

Ensure all Ladder personnel are outfitted with proper PPE

Ensure Ladder personnel have the right equipment:Sledge hammerHalliganHydra-RamThermal Imager (If available)

If the fire is reported to be above the 7th floor, call one bank of elevators and take control to ascend, if it is deemed safe to use.


Report which stairwell or elevator is being used for ascentWhere are they located in the buildingWhat is the building’s designation for the

stairs/elevatorReport when you have made it to the floor

desired. Report what crews are ascending and how

many of personnel are in the group

Wait for entire Investigation Group to arrive before ascent.

The Ascent

Report the findings (Conditions)Extent and nature of the fireHeat and smoke encounteredExtent of the evacuation (Actions)

If a fire is confirmed:The Investigation Group will then evolve into

their respective assignments (Needs)Fire AttackSearchVentilationETC.


Assign Fire-Attack Stairwell and Evacuation StairwellConsider ventilation path and proximity of

standpipe connections when determining which stairwell is going to be used for a particular purpose.

Advise command when primary search has commenced

And what degree of challenge forcible entry is presenting.


All Engine personnel properly outfitted Appropriate equipment is carried to location

200 ft. of 2 ½” hose1 ¼” smoothbore nozzleHigh-Rise kit

18” pipe wrenchCouplingsIn-Line Pressure GaugeDoor Wedges

1st Engine Officer

Have crew stand-by one (1) floor below the reported fire floor until the I.G leader designates the Fire-Attack Stairwell.

Recon. Floor layout of the floor below the fire floor

Make appropriate connections to the standpipe and prepare hose for deployment

Clear Fire-Attack Stairwell of occupants for a minimum of five (5) floors and direct them to the Evacuation Stairwell or other suitable safe haven.

1st Engine Officer

Assist the 1st Engine

2nd Engine

High-Rise ResponseTotal

Engines:Engine 1Engine 2Engine 3Engine 4Engine 5Engine 6Engine 7Engine 8Engine 9Engine 10

Total Ladders:Ladder 1Ladder 2Ladder 3Ladder 4Ladder 5

Other Apparatus:Rescue-8Haz-Mat-5Brush-PumpersAir-1Mobile Command UnitChief Officers:

Chief-1Chief-2Chief-3Chief-4Chief-5607608609

Approx. 66-85

Report to Command in the main floor lobby with appropriate tools

If fire is reported:Coordinate with the 1st and 2nd Engine and act

as relief for them when needed.

3rd Engine

Driver will connect to FDC and prepare to pump into the system

Remainder of the crew will assume control of the Lobby

Place all tools in convenient location

4th Engine

Ensure repeated and/or modified announcements are provided to building occupants, as needed, with the status of the event and appropriate directives.

Ensure manual activation of the stairwell door unlocking devise is tripped (if equipped)

Locate the Building Engineer to take control of the HVAC or shut down the HVAC system.

Verify the operation of the fire pumpsObtain master keys

Lobby Control (4th Engine)

Obtain a list of persons who are identified as needing special assistance, including their ordinary location in the building, or designated area of refuge.

Obtain building floor plansLocate stairwells that have been designatedSecure additional elevators if possibleDirect incoming companies to correct

stairwellsShut down the escalators

Lobby Control (4th Engine)

Driver will assist driver of 4th Engine by preparing for Series pump operation at FDC

Crew will carry extra SCBA cylinders to Staging, three-floors below the fire floor.

Will take appropriate equipment to establish a backup line or relief of 3rd Engine on backup lines as they move forward to fire attack.

5th Engine

Ascend with the 5th Engine and assist in establishment of backup line.

Carry extra SCBA cylinders to Staging, three-floors below the fire floor

6th Engine

Ascend to StagingCarry extra SCBA cylindersAcquire and carry any other tools requested

7th Engine

If the building is equipped with secondary FDCDriver will hook up to this FDC and prepare for

pumping operationsCrew will carry additional High-Rise hose and

extra SCBA cylinders to the lobby and standby.

8th Engine

Will report to 8th Engine and prepare to perform Series Pumping operation.

Remainder of crew sill report to the lobby and wait for further orders.

9th Engine

Coordinate primary search of the fire floor with 1st Ladder

Bring salvage covers to prevent water from entering elevator hoist way to prevent loss of power to elevators.

Initiate forcible entry and ventilation if not needed for search.

2nd Ladder

Stairwell Search of the Fire-Attack StairwellAscend to the top floorAdvise Command/Ops upon arrival to the top

floor and inform them of possible ventilation needs

Initiate top-down stairwell search of stairwell.Notify Command/Ops of additional resource

needsDirect occupants out of Fire-Attack Stairwell

to safer location.Advise Command/Ops if persons are

encountered in Fire-Attack Stairwell.

3rd Ladder

Ascend to the top floorInitiate top-down stairwell search of the

Evacuation StairwellRequest additional resources as neededDo not open the door on the fire floor unless

it necessitates rescue

4th Ladder

Initiate primary search of the floor above the fire floorUnless arrival is delayed by travel distance

Take necessary equipment:RIT BagRope Assisted Search BagForcible Entry ToolsThermal Imager

Rescue-8

RITWearing 1-hour SCBA’s ascend to the floor

below the fire Take necessary equipment

RIT BagRope Assisted Search BagForcible Entry ToolsThermal Imager

Haz-Mat 5

Span of Control OptionsSection 2

Incident Command1st District Officer

Staging (533)

Base

Air-15th Ladder10th Engine

Logistics

4th EngineLobby Control

8th Engine9th Engine

Planning

Comms UnitSitStat/Restat Unit

Technical Specialist

Operations2nd District Officer

Fire-Attack3rd District Officer

Attack Line1st Engine2nd Engine3rd Engine

5th Engine6th Engine7th Engine

Back-Up Search

R-8

1st Ladder2nd Ladder

U.S.E

3rd Ladder4th Ladder

R.I.T.

HM-5

(District Officer)

Additional Companies

All arriving chiefs will notify command of their arrival. (Preferably face-to-face).

Incident Commander can designate but is not limited to the following positions as needed:

Incident Command

Designated “Ops.”Answers to IC

The second arriving chief officer The Ops. Chief will ascend to two (2) floors below

the fire floor and establish the Operations Post.

Ops. Chief is responsible for all tactical operations.

Operations

Proceed to the fire floor and take control of all operations on the fire floor under the direction of Operations, including, but not limited to, the following:

Conduct size-upSupervise extinguishment and check for fire

extension and monitor smoke spreadEstablish back-up linesSupervise all searches and ventilation on the fire

floor and floor aboveProvide progress reports to Operations, in person if

possibleMonitor the safety of all personnel operating on the

fire floor and one (1) floor above the fire and assess ongoing conditions

Initiate salvage and overhaul operations.

Fire-Floor Division

Confer with Fire-Attack Officer on the status of the ongoing search and rescue operations and establish an initial Search and Rescue post two (2) floors below the fire floor, separate from the Operations Post.

responsible to coordinate search operations 3-floors above the fire floor and up.

Relocate to a floor above the fire as conditions improve.

Determine the resources necessary to complete search and rescue operations and advise Operations of those needs.

Upper Search and Evacuation Officer (U.S.E)

Assign specific companies to respond to reports of occupants in need of assistance.

Document assignments and verify the completion of each assignment.

Assign specific companies to conduct a thorough and systematic search of each floor, hallway, stairwell, elevator car, and elevator shaft.

Upper Search and Evacuation Officer (U.S.E)

Assemble RIT team(s) and deploy them with all essential equipment including elevator rescue tools to designated areas as needed.RIT teams will conduct size-upReport to RIT Officer

Gather a copy of the floor plan for the fire floor and floor above. Also gather information that provides elevator and stairwell locations.

R.I.T.

Establish area of operations in appropriate areas, if multiple RITs are assigned.

Monitor radio communications at all times.

R.I.T.

Proceed three (3) floors below the fire and establish the Staging Area and designate the following areas:Designate an area for air cylinders and

equipment.Empty air cylinders should be segregated from

full cylindersA rehab area separate from supply area.

Staging Area Officer (Staging)

Give consideration to creating a secondary staging area that would place companies and equipment closer to the actual incident, if required.

This area can be on a separate floor from the primary Staging Area (3-floors below the fire floor).

This secondary staging area will minimize the time delay between taking companies out of the primary staging area, and actually putting them to work on the upper floors.

Staging Area Officer (Staging)

LobbyStairwell SupportBaseAir-1

LOGISTICS

Requesting additional personnel as needed to complete lobby objectives from Command or Logistics (if assigned.)

Establish a method of tracking all companies entering or exiting the building.

Establishing a marshalling area for evacuating building occupants in a safe area away from the command post. (i.e. covered parking, sub-floors, etc.)

Recall all remaining elevators for fire department use and to prevent further use by occupants.

Determine elevator travel paths.

Lobby Control

Report to Logistics and coordinate the transport of equipment via the stairwells from the lobby to StagingOne member per two floors. (e.g.) ground floor

to floor #3, floor #3 to floor #5.One Officer per four or five members

Stairwell Support

Level II StagingPrimary location where logistical support

beginsEquipmentPersonnel

Base

SitStat/ReStatVictim Communication SpecialistOther Technical Specialists

Building EngineersStructural EngineersElevator TechniciansWater Supply Specialist

Planning

Will confer with Lobby Control and will assume the responsibility of tracking the resources committed to the operation inside the building.

SitStat/ReStat

Operate on a separate TAC channelReceive notifications about victims from

DispatchMonitor the Lobby Telephone

Will speak directly to victims in the building

Victims Communication Specialist (VCS)

If the Technical Specialist is not an OCFD member, they will remain in the Command/Planning area unless accompanied by an OCFD member equipped with a radio

Technical Specialists

Fire-Attack ConsiderationsSection3

http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-attack/

Hook to the floor belowCheck for PRV’s

If field adjustable, adjust to where connection can be opened all the way

Check gauge on Water-Thief75 psi For 150 ft. of 2 ½ with smoothbore= 250

gpm or more85 For 200 ft. of 2 ½ with smoothbore= 250 gpm or

more85 Additional section of 1 ¾ with 15/16” nozzle=

150 gpmUsing Metro-Folds lay out hose as follows:

Standpipe

1st section at the standpipe connectionConnect 1st section to 2nd section which is

located on the ½ landing above the standpipe connection

Connect male end of 2nd section to 3rd section on the fire floor

3rd section connects to the 4th section which is located on the ½ landing above the fire floor.

Nozzle is attached to the male end of the 4th section.

Maneuver nozzle below door opening before opening it.

Metro-Fold Deployment

FDC

Metro-Pack #1

Metro-Pack #4

Metro-Pack #3

Metro-Pack #2

Method of storing, carrying and deploying hose for high-rise or other stairwell hose deployment operations.

What is the Metro-Fold?

Stairwells in OKC high-rises tend to be narrow

Allows passage by hoseEase of hose deployment

Why the Metro-Pack

Standpipes are designed for smoothborePre 1993 standard called for 65 psi Post 1993 calls for 100 psiEither, smoothbore will be more reliable

Fog nozzles can clogFlows can be restricted

Why Smoothbore Nozzles

Due to limited ventilationSteam isn’t what we want

Why Smoothbore Nozzles

1. User-Friendly Apparatus and Equipment1. Keep your High-Rise Packs accessible

2. User-Friendly Standpipe Hose Packs The hose pack should be as lightweight and

as compact as possible The hose pack should be designed for easy,

fast, and efficient stretching on the fireground.

3. Properly Stretching the Attack Line Get the Metro in place

7-Keys to Success with the Duece 1/2

4. Proper Operating Pressure 75-85 psi is all that is needed

5. Low-pressure nozzles Use the smoothbore (Low pressure/High

GPM)

6. Unglamorous Operating Positions 6- people for the operation 1 -person per friction point

7. Training, Training, and More Training

7-Keys to Success with the Deuce 1/2

Ensure the civilians are cleared out for at least 5-floors.

Direct them to the Evacuation Stairwell orFind Area of Refuge for themPrepare hoseIf hallway is charged with smoke, charge the

line before entering floorIf hallway is clear, consider stretching dry to

get closer to the fire without having to pull the weight of the water.

Before we enter the floor

Typically open cubical floor planWatch out for fire wrapping around behind

youPlenum may be entire trussloft area

Avoid breaking the glassCould create wind driven fire

Office Building Fires

Keep control of the doors!Consider tying a strap to the door knob so that

the door can be pulled shut without entering the space.

Locate area of refuge before making attackApartment on the same side of the fire

apartmentForce entry into refuge apartment before

attackWatch out for Wind Drive!

Residential

Water Supply ConsiderationsSection 4

FDC: one way check valve that is on the discharge side of the building fire pump; which means:The Fire department pumper and the building fire

pump do not work in unison. It is either one or the other.

Highest outlet of the standpipe system must be able to supply adequate water.Minimum 600 gpm for 1-riser/ Maximum 2,500 (Pre-93)Minimum 750 gpm for 2-risers/Max 2,500 (Pre-93)Maximum for post 93 standard is 1,250 for both

sprinkler and standpipe

Understaning Standpipe Systems

Because these pressures are required at the top floor:A method to restrict flow must be in place for

lower outlets The building’s pump only knows to turn on or

turn offIt doesn’t know what floor is using the waterSo the building’s pump flows as if the fire is on

the top floor every time.


SO…Because of the one-way check valve at the FDC

andPRV’s

If the Fire Department expects to supply adequate amount of water into this type of system…

We must supply the system just like the building’s pumpWe must at least match the building’s pump

pressure or the PRV’s will prevent an adequate amount of water to hoselines.


The Pumper shall be spotted with the pump panel away from the fire building to protect the engineer from falling debris (If applicable)

The discharge lines supplying the FDC shall be connected to the discharges opposite from the pump panel allowing the engineer to stay clear of the lines in the event of hose failure.

Fire Department Pumper's for FDC's

After all lines are connected, the system pressure should be determined and the engine pressure of the Pumper supplying the system should be set at 50 psi below the system pressure

NOTE: If the system pressure is not known, an estimated figure can be established by using the following guidelines.

5 psi per floor + 100 psiRemember figure to the roof

Fire Department Pumper's for FDC's

One method for

determining whether

or not water is

flowing from the fire

department Pumper

into the FDC is to

partially gate down

one of the discharges

being used. If the

lines are static

(water not flowing)

the pressure on the

discharge gauge will

not change

On the other hand,

if there is water

flowing from the

Pumper into the

FDC, the pressure

on the discharge

gauge will change

when the

discharge is gated

down

Centrifugal pumps are designed to pump their maximum gpm flow at 150 psi.70% at 200 psi50% at 250 psi

Since Volume is required to put the fire out it is imperative to maximize flow. Therefore,Pressures over 150 psi will require a Series

Pumping Operation

Series Pumping

Series pumping is actually a short relay pump operation.

The pumper taking water from the hydrant pumps into the intake of the second pumper.

The second pumper boosts the pressure even higher.

Series Pumping

When two or more pumpers are pumping in series they divide the overall required pressure to supply the system between themFor example- if the required

system pressure is 300 psi and two pumpers are involved in the series pump operation, each pumper will only have to pump 150 psi. 150 plus 150 equals 300 psi

Series Pumping

Ventilation ConsiderationsSection 5

Smoke Spread:Smoke spread is unquestionably the most significant life hazard problem existing in a High-Rise Fire.

This smoke has caused 80% of all fire death in a High-Rise Fire

Inherent Problems in High-Rises

The contributing factors to this are:The used of new products in

construction and furniture such as the use of plastics. PVC’s, laminates and synthetic products. These products can produce 500% more smoke and heat than hard woods. Gases that are produced will be twice as deadly and the temperatures will be significantly higher.


Stack EffectCaused by the vertical spread of heat,

smoke and gases.Open StairsElevator ShaftsDumbwaitersLaundry/trash/mall chutesPoke throughs


Outside Temperature: 35

Inside Temperature: 70

Normal Stack Effect

Cooler air drawn in at the bottom of the building causes warmer air to rise. Below the neutral plane, the horizontal air flow is towards the central core, while above the neutral lane, the horizontal air flow is away from the core- creating a mushroom effect on upper floors. Such currents exist naturally but are enhanced if a fire adds heat. Vertical shafts need to be vented at the top.

Neutral Plane

Outside Temp: 85

Inside Temp: 70

Reverse Stack Effect

May occur on hot days.

When the warm air is drawn into

the building, the denser cool air

tends to sink to the bottom of

shafts and may draw smoke with

it. Below the neutral plane the

horizontal air flow is away from

the core.

Neutral Plane

Stratificatio

n

If the windows will openCheck wind direction at the fire floor levelIf temperature and wind conditions allowEvacuate the apartment across from the fire

roomCross ventilate

If temperature and wind do not allow itProtect stairwells with electric PPV

Direct ventilation may not be possible until the fire is controlled.

Venting Residential Buildings

Windows are often times sealedAvoid breaking out windows until wind

direction is known If high in the building and hot outside

Expect reverse stackIf low in the building and cold outside

Expect reverse stack

Office Building Ventilation

Typically only one stairwell will exit through the roof

If possible, it is better to use this stairwell for the Fire-Attack Stairwell to draw smoke away from fleeing occupants.

Direct electric PPV must be applied to Evacuation Stairwell. Air-1Resue-8Haz-Mat 5

Stairwell Ventilation

Remember the MGM!!The majority of fatalities occurred 15-20 floors

above the fire.If conditions allow

Open the top hatchIf air rushes in, close the hatchIf air moves out, leave it open


Because Evacuation Stairwell requires ventilation:The door to the fire floor cannot be opened

Fire-Attack Stairwell will require PPV as well. Try to use Electric PPVIf gasoline powered is used,

Monitor for Carbon Monoxide


Search ConsiderationsSection 6

1. Immediate area around the fire (1st Ladder)2. Remainder of the fire floor (1st & 2nd Ladder)3. Floor above ( 2nd Ladder and/or Rescue-8)4. Floor below (2nd Ladder and/or Rescue-8)5. The Top Floor (S.S.T)6. Then remaining floors above (U.S.E) &

(S.S.T)

Search Priorities

What is a S.S.T? Stairwell Search Team

What do they do?Continuous search of the Stairwells and

immediate area around the stairs on the floors

Search Assignments

Why are S.S.T’s needed?Remember the Cook County Administration

Building!!6 civilian deaths13 originally attempted to evacuate down the

southeast stairwayEncountered heavy smoke and were told by FD to

return to 12Doors were locked and they became trappedFound 90 minutes later

S.S.T

How do S.S.T’s work?Ascend to the top floorDetermine if their stairwell has roof hatch

If it does, inform command/ops and wait for further orders

When done with the roof hatch begin top/down search of the stairwellsInform command/ops. When smoke is encounteredIf occupants are encountered in Fire-Attack

StairwellPerform RescueDirect them to Evacuation Stairwell or safe haven

If smoke is encountered in Evacuation StairwellInform command/ops

S.S.T

These stairwell searches are on going through out the incident.

S.S.T

If the floor is to be evacuated… the entire floor must be searched

Searched floors should be marked as suchSingle slash while floor is being searched“X” when search is completed“X” should be placed in front of elevator,

stairwell door.

Search Tracking

Evacuation ConsiderationsSection 7

Is there at least one stairwell clear of smoke?If all evacuation routes are contaminated

consider shelter in placeIf opted, advise those sheltered to place damp

towels under the doors

How far will occupants have to travel?The farther they have to travel to get below the

fire floor the greater the chance they will encounter a changing hostile environment

Evacuate or Shelter in Place?

Have Fire-Attack Operations Begun?Conditions will change dramatically when they

doEvacuation Stairwell must be monitored closely

through out the entire incidentAre the stairwell doors unlocked?

Evacuate or Shelter in Place?

Elevator OperationsSection 8

Location of the Fire7th floor rule

Are there occupants with special needs that must be evacuated?

Is the elevator segregated from the fire area?

When to consider the elevator?

Only ANSI Phase II elevators can be used by FD

One crew onlyWith tools and SCBA mask’s donnedRide on one kneeKnow where the stairs are prior to ascent

Phase II Elevator Ops.

Determine floor activation from (FAID), move to elevator lobby.

Use service key and activate Phase I if the elevators have not recalled automatically.

Count all the elevators to make sure they have answered the Phase I recall. If any are unaccounted for, notify IC.

Check hoistway for smokeCheck Phase II on the car operating panel

and make sure the fire hat symbol is not flashing.

Elevator Procedure

Flashing fire hat symbol means the FAID in the elevator machine room has been activated by heat or smoke.Could cause shunt trip if elevator control room is equipped with sprinklers. Could cause erratic car operationsDo not use this bank of elevators

Assign an operator or “Taxi”Properly equipped with SCBA, forcible entry

tools, step-ladder, flashlight, radio, full PPE

Elevator Procedure

Test elevator stopsStop every 5 floors

Check elevator functionCheck smoke in elevator shaftCheck for water entering shaft

Buttons are continuous pressure in Phase IIDoors will not automatically open at floorsTaxi must push button, if button is released,

doors will close

Elevator Procedure

Suppression Emergency Operations Operations/003 HIGH_RISE.

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Transcript of Suppression Emergency Operations Operations/003 HIGH_RISE.