Critically evaluating the need for specialty teams for high-rise firefighting

High-rise fires are high-risk, low-frequency events that pose significant challenges for fire department personnel. When confronted with a high-rise fire incident commanders often have to make critical decisions with limited information due to their inability to properly size-up/assess the building due to its size. As the incident progresses building construction features along with items such as the fire alarm control panel, fire pumps, standpipes, stairwells, elevators, and smoke removal systems become key elements used to access and suppress the fire. However, it is not uncommon for these items to malfunction or fail as the operation is taking place thus requiring specialists to intervene. Therefore, this study aims to critically evaluate the need for specialty teams for high-rise firefighting. The aim is supported by three objectives: 1) evaluation of the need for utilizing specialty teams in ambiguous situations that can arise during high-rise firefighting that go beyond the scope of basic training; 2) identify how a specialty team for high-rise firefighting can be utilized and structured by conducting semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts; 3) determine if pros and cons of establishing a team that specializes in high-rise firefighting can exist and how either would impact the effectiveness of the overall operation. This study employed a pragmatic approach using inductive reasoning to answer three research questions: 1) could the use of a specialty team for high-rise firefighting provide a significant impact that will affect the outcomes of a high-rise fire; 2) what is the best approach for fighting a high-rise fire; 3) is there a need for specialty teams for high-rise firefighting. In order to answer these questions semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 retired and current incident commanders within the US and Canada. As a result five themes, 12 categories, and 62 codes emerged. The five themes of Training, Incident Commander Considerations, Size-up, Deployment and Use of a Specialty Team, and Considerations for a Specialty Team supported the need for a specialty team for high-rise firefighting.