Fire and Rescue Departments Mid-Rise Building Fires of Northern Virginia Mid-Rise Building Fires

History of Mid-Rise Buildings Mid-rise construction predominately began during WWII Construction of these buildings has placed multiple families, commercial occupancies or both under one roof

Definition A mid-rise building is three to six stories in height Less than 75 feet from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access May be residential or commercial occupancies with the presence of elevators Mid-rise building may have a large footprint or unusual design

General Characteristics Center core atrium Donut-Style Residential over commercial

General Characteristics Mid-rise buildings share similar characteristics as high rise and garden apartments such as May or may not have Sprinkler protection May or may not have standpipe system Different types of construction Large attic spaces May or may not have Firefighter service elevators Center core floor plans Parking garages Commercial occupancies on lower levels

Construction Types Mid-rises vary by construction type and units contained with-in the structure Roofs vary greatly in design from cross gables and dormer to large flat roofs Lowest floor of a mid-rise may contain elevator control rooms, storage or laundry rooms.

Construction Types Ordinary construction- pre 1960’s Masonry load loadbearing walls, wood floors and roofing components Flat roof assembly Cockloft with common area may spread throughout entire roof Presence of firewalls Casement or double hung windows Absence of balconies

Construction Types Non-combustible construction Found mostly in commercial occupancies Insulated flat roof with metal decking Exterior walls may be metal, concrete or framed with a veneer Presence of firewalls Basements with storage, laundry or electric rooms Double hung or sliding glass windows Metal or concrete stairways with possible “accommodation” stairways

Construction Types Lightweight wood frame construction Began replacing ordinary construction in the 1980’s Roof construction may be lightweight flat or peaked truss with dormers Knee-walls may be found in units with lofts and dormers Exterior walls are typically OSB covered with insulating material Firewalls may be non-existent Parallel chord trusses or plywood I-beams floors Cantilevered, recessed or hinged balconies Enclosed stairways

Exterior Features (Lightweight) Windows may be double hung or horizontal sliding type Balconies are of three general types Cantilevered Recessed Hinged

Interior Features (Lightweight) HVAC units may be in each individual unit Zero clearance chimneys are common in newer buildings Stairs are usually enclosed with masonry or thick fire rated drywall The presence of fireplaces and chimneys create a potential for fire extension. Improper installation or age may compromise the integrity of the components contributing to fire spread to surrounding combustible members.

Roof Access Bulkhead Stairway Roof Hatch to a Flat Roof Certain stairways allow companies to access the roof and should be identified on building preplans. Roof top bulkhead doors, located over the stairway, provides direct stairway access to the roof, Figure 48. Other stairways do not provide direct stairway access to the roof; rather, companies must climb a ladder located at the top of the stairway, accessing the roof through a roof hatch, Figure 49. This hatch may be at the top of the stairway, top floor hallway, or hidden in a top floor closet.

Fire Protection Buildings may be completely sprinklered, partially sprinklered or not at all Standpipes may or may not be present Firefighting personnel should give preference to standpipes located in stairways Example of a large diameter FDC

Elevators Elevators may be hydraulic or electric traction Newer buildings utilize elevators that do no require a conventional elevator room

Utilities May be serviced by all standard utilities High voltage electrical vaults or gas meter rooms may be present Gas lines may be bright yellow and flexible

Special Hazards Limited access to side “Charlie” Increased occupant load Increased use of lightweight material for residential occupancies Presence of swimming pools and parking garages

Life Hazards Potential for a high loss of life Victims are found in normal egress pathways Personnel should consider the best way to control occupants Evacuate Protect in place

Fire Hazards May not have all or any safety equipment found in high rise buildings Large open cockloft areas Utility shafts with void spaces Combustible exterior walls Lightweight construction

Fire Hazards Vertical voids such as pipe chases are the primary means which fire extends Fire in void spaces will frequently spread to the roof Common long hallways lead to a large amount of smoke spread Combustible exterior siding can greatly effect vertical extension

Fire Load Fire load in commercial occupancies requires 20gpm per 100 square ft Residential mid rises has a flow rate of 10gpm per 100 square ft

Collapse Personnel must be aware that HVAC units, water heaters and other equipment may be stored in attic spaces Personnel must remain cognizant of a collapse hazard if.. Presence of lightweight construction Fire entering void spaces degrading wooden structural members

Trash Chutes Can be attached to buildings Trash shuts lead to compactors Fire in compactors can cause vertical smoke and fire spread Pulling the dumpster away from the building may be necessary for extinguishment These containers can be a particular hazard when attached to or inside the building. Often, trash chutes allow rubbish to be deposited from any floor level and the shaft leads directly into the dumpster or compactor

Fire Operations Initial Size Up Determine the best tactics for firefighting operations If a standpipe is present, the use of high rise firefighting tactics is recommended Remember to add an additional engine for the use of high rise assignments

Exposures Due to compartmentation in mid-rise buildings, the fire is less likely to involve the entire floor Companies must be assigned to check areas above and below the origin of fire Fire and smoke can extend through hidden voids such as trash chutes and pipe chases

Forcible Entry Hydraulic forcible entry tools are effective on inward opening metal doors in metal frames Conventional forcible entry tools are preferred for any door set in a wood frame Keep in mind that commercial occupancies may have additional security features that make forcible entry more difficult

Initial Attack Line Fire location will determine whether the initial attack line is stretched from the engine directly to the fire area or from a standpipe Companies may consider using other means of attack such as a balcony, window or patio It is imperative that the standpipe be supplied even if the initial attack line is made with a pre-connected hand line from the first engine.

Second Line The second line should be sufficient enough to reach the fire or area above Personnel must make sure the initial line is in place before deploying the second line Capable of equal or greater flow than the initial attack line

Line Above the Fire Third due engine is responsible for this task unless otherwise assigned There are two main purposes Protect the company performing a search Extinguish any vertical extension

Basement Fires Multiple access points Opposing hand lines Before initiating fire attack from the exterior, personnel must ensure that the door from the fire unit to the public hallways is closed

Garage Fires Access to some parking garages may be hindered due to metal security gates Remember to secure the garage door in the open position Quickly assess if fire has spread to living areas

Attic Fires Attic fires often result from vertical extension through void spaces and/or exterior fire spread. Crews must be cognizant of collapse hazards In those instances where elevated master streams are required, streams should be directed through or at the top-floor level, into the involved space, not directly on the roof Avoid flowing streams down onto the roof, as roofs are meant to shed water. This method will not only fail to extinguish the fire, but may collapse the roof. Also, personnel in the affected area must be relocated to a safe area within the structure prior to initiating a master stream operation.

Large Volume Fires It may be appropriate for the first engine officer to address exposures immediately The most effective means of directing the flow from elevated streams is from the tower bucket or ladder tip

Ventilation A primary goal is the removal of smoke and heat from the public hallways early in the operation The three basic ventilation tactics used in mid-rise buildings include Horizontal Vertical Mechanical Roof top considerations Vertical ventilation may be accomplished by opening roof scuttles, stairway, and bulkhead doors; existing openings in roofs, of any kind, may provide a quick means of vertical ventilation. Where this is not possible or ineffective, holes should be cut at the highest point as close to or directly over the fire area.

Search and Rescue The fire unit and the unit above are the highest priority areas for search Options for removing victims include Protect in place Removal from involved unit or balcony Removal via interior stairs Removal over portable ladder or aerial Drywall breach to uninvolved area

Mid Rise Fire Response 4 Engine Companies 2 Ladder Trucks 1 Rescue Squad 1 Medic Unit 2 EMS Supervisors 2 Battalion Chiefs Note: Additional alarms and RIT levels can be requested based on the incident command recommendations

Fist Due Engine Determine attack method Standpipe vs Pre-connected lines from apparatus (Basement, 1st,2nd floor) Position in proximity to the building so as to not block access by other apparatus. Determine method of water supply. View as much of the structure as possible. Take note of fire/ smoke location, number of floors and persons in distress. Bring rapid entry keys (i.e., Knox) and retrieve building keys in fire control room or other designated location Check the status of elevators and HVAC systems, if present. Check the annunciator panel (if present) before proceeding to the reported fire floor/area to verify location and extent of the fire. Proceed to the fire floor and commence firefighting operations.

Second Due Engine Establish water supply Assist the first engine in placing the first hoseline in service. Deploy a back-up hoseline, only after ensuring that the initial line is in place and making progress.

Third Due Engine Position on the opposite side of the building from the first due engine. If the rear is not accessible, position apparatus at the end of the structure closest to the involved unit to allow for hoseline deployment to Side Charlie. Do not block access of incoming units. The officer shall report conditions from the side opposite the first engine. Obtain a secondary water supply. Advise Command if an additional engine will be required to complete the water supply. Supply the rear FDC, if present. Advance a hoseline to the floor above the fire, or as directed.

Fourth Due Engine Complete a secondary water supply, if necessary. If the vehicle is not needed for water supply, position out of the way. Assume the role of RIT. The equipment and procedures to follow shall be obtained from the NOVA Rapid Intervention Team Command and Operational Procedures Manual.

First Due Truck or Rescue Squad The truck company’s and rescue squad’s functional duties closely parallel one another These responsibilities include Searching for victims Locating the fire Forcible entry Ventilation Control of utilities

First Due Truck Position on the alpha side or the side where fire is showing Raise the aerial ladder to access the unit/area involved. The ladder should not be placed to a window or balcony showing fire unless there is someone at such a location in need of rescue or the elevated mater stream tactic is being used for fire attack. If the apartment or unit is totally involved, then the aerial should be raised to an adjoining unit. If there is no need for the aerial or if the fire floor is out of reach, the entire crew should enter the building together.

Second Due Truck View as much of the structure as possible. Take note of fire/smoke location, number of floors, conditions evident, and persons in distress. Position opposite the first truck. If not possible, position on side alpha in front of the uncovered portion of the structure. Assess the need for elevated master streams. Take note of wind direction and strength. Bring rapid entry keys (i.e., Knox). If not yet identified, the officer should ensure that a stairway has been identified as the evacuation stairway and that it is clear of smoke. Communicate any previously unreported conditions. Proceed to the floor above the fire

(After first truck reaches fire floor) Rescue Squad (After first truck reaches fire floor) Deployment of a tagline from the attack stairway. Forcible entry on the adjacent units for primary search and possible alternative fire attack options. Coordinating the evacuation of occupants. Assessment of fire extension into the adjacent units. Horizontal ventilation.

EMS Units The EMS unit should park away from the building in an area that allows for rapid egress if a patient needs to be transported The crew should assemble their EMS equipment on a stretcher and report to Command

Command Officers Gather all information from the companies and assume command of the incident Determine location of command post The second due chief shall don protective clothing and SCBA and proceed to the Command Post for briefing and assignment.