Protecting Vertical Cities: Mid-Rise and High-Rise 101

Protecting Vertical Cities is a program designed to illustrate and describe the complexities associated with vertical firefighting in tall buildings; whether being a mid-rise or high-rise building, unfamiliarity and limited experience lends favor towards a greater propensity of error when operating in both types of buildings. This program will examine the many challenges, concerns and offer some experience- based insight and best practices when dealing with fires that are specific and unique to mid-to high-rise building challenges alone.

This program will examine fires in both the mid-rise and high-rise buildings; exploring their own individual nuisances and tactical barriers, which are impediments that remain consistent with vertical firefighting in tall buildings. However, similar in nature, both buildings require a different requisite tactical approach. Knowledge and awareness is needed for a greater depth of understanding required to guide and influence decision-making, which will ultimately induce actions that support expedient fire suppression and risk abatement of building occupants.

This program will explore, in depth, efficiency based models of deployment, strategical and tactical considerations, potential barriers, incident priorities, and the inevitable threat platforms one is likely to encounter. This is best explained through a “process” of manageable sequential steps required of a mid-to high-rise fire response. The value and significance of a well-planned, realistic, functional, and a purpose-driven course of actions are all necessary components for desirable and measurable tactical outcomes. This program will interject real case studies and lessons learned; all delivered with the intent to demystify, provide relevance, and maximize your full vertical potential in these complicated buildings.

Host or Publisher The 50th State F.O.O.L.S.