Highrise Definitions

Question 1

Access Control

Answer 1

Duty of recording all members entering and exiting a building and their locations while inside the building. This responsibility includes distribution of surveys; Fire Fighter phones; splitting key sets and distributing keys to appropriate members going up.

Question 2

Branch

Answer 2

That organizational level having functional/geographic responsibility for major aspects of incident operations. The Branch level is organizationally situated between the Section and Division or Group in the Operations Section; and between the Section and Units in the Logistics Section. Branches are identified by the use of Roman numerals or by functional area.

Question 3

Crew

Answer 3

organized group of Fire Fighters under the leadership of a Company Officer.

Question 4

Crew Staging

Answer 4

An area where crews are assigned in a high-rise fire that serves as a holding area for available crews awaiting an assignment; this is usually two floors below the fire

Question 5

Demobilization Unit

Answer 5

Functional Unit within the Planning Section. Responsible for assuring orderly; safe; efficient demobilization of resources committed to the incident.

Question 6

Division

Answer 6

The partition of an incident into geographical areas of operation. Divisions are established when the number of resources exceeds the manageable span of control. A division is located within the ICS organization; between the IC or branch (when implemented) and the particular resources being used to accomplish tactical objectives.

Question 7

EMS Group

Answer 7

A functional group established to meet the needs of civilian casualties. A Senior EMS Supervisor will determine the location and manage triage; treatment; and transport.

Question 8

FDC/Fire Department Connection

Answer 8

A connection through which the Fire Department can pump water into the sprinkler/standpipe system.

Question 9

Fire Attack Group

Answer 9

Initially; a high rise group composed of First Ladder; Second and Third engines; with the Ladder Officer in charge; which will proceed up to the reported fire floor to investigate; report conditions; and take initial actions to mitigate the incident.

Question 10

Fire Floor Division

Answer 10

Division responsible for all operational issues on a designated floor of a high rise. Usually a Chief Officer is assigned to manage this division.

Question 11

Fire Service Mode Phase 1

Answer 11

Mode that recalls elevator to designated recall point (doors open and may stay open) and makes the elevator available for Fire Department use.

Question 12

Fire Service Mode Phase 2

Answer 12

Mode that allows for the in-car operation of an elevator that requires a key in car to permit control of that elevator.

Question 13

Group

Answer 13

Established to divide the incident management structure into functional areas of operation. Groups are composed of resources assembled to perform a special function not necessarily within a single geographic area. Groups; when activated; are located between the Branch and the particular resources accomplishing tactical objectives.

Question 14

Level II Staging

Answer 14

A formal staging area where companies report; designated by Command.

Question 15

Lobby Control Unit

Answer 15

Is responsible for all lobby control functions

Question 16

Medical Branch

Answer 16

Branch responsible for all on scene medical care. This will include supervision of the EMS Group (for civilian casualties) and the Rehab Group (for care of Fire Fighters in rehab). The HFD EMS District Chief will be in charge of this Branch.

Question 17

PRV/Pressure Regulating Valve

Answer 17

Valves and standpipe systems that are designed to reduce outlet pressures that allow for reduced nozzle pressures.

Question 18

RAT/Rapid Ascent Teams

Answer 18

Crews from the Second and Third Ladder companies who ensure that stairwells are cleared of all building occupants; all stairwell doors are unlocked and closed. The roof hatch is unlocked but closed (to enable the pressurization of the stairwell). The RAT will inform IC which stairwell has roof access for ventilation use.

Question 19

Rehab Group

Answer 19

A functional group established to meet the needs of Fire Fighters in rehab. A Senior Supervisor will determine the location on a tenable floor near the hazard floor and manage this group; which consist of the supplies of the Rehab Truck; a BLS and an ALS unit. Rehab Group should not be on the same floor as Crew Staging.

Question 20

Rescue Group

Answer 20

A functional group established to meet the operational needs of searching and performing rescue. This group is assigned responsibility of rescue for the entire incident.

Question 21

Resource Group

Answer 21

A functional group established to supply the incident with equipment and tools; air recharging; and extra air bottles at or near the Crew Staging area.. The Resource Group Officer will communicate and coordinate with Lobby Control.

Question 22

RIT Group

Answer 22

A functional group established to meet the needs of Fire Fighter rescue. This Group will consist of the original RIT Teams; Technical Rescue; and additional fire companies under the supervision of the RIT Officer as designated by the IC/Operations.

Question 23

RIT/Rapid Intervention Team

Answer 23

Team of three; preferably four members; established at every incident in which Fire Fighters will enter a hazardous area. These teams will rescue trapped; lost; or endangered firefighters.

Question 24

Stack Effect/Chimney Effect

Answer 24

A naturally occurring event in which cool air enters the lower levels of a building and warm air within the building rises to the upper levels. Negative Stack Effect is the reverse and is prominent in Houston.

Question 25

Stairwell Support Force

Answer 25

Members responsible for using the stairwell to transport tools and equipment (and possibly 4-inch hose) from the lobby to the Resource Group. The Stairwell Support Officer will communicate and coordinate with Lobby Control.

Question 26

Systems Control Unit

Answer 26

Usually established at large-scale; long-term high rise incidents by the Lobby Control unit to maintain a manageable span of control. This unit evaluates and manages all systems in a high rise building

Question 27

Third-Party Pre-Fire Plan

Answer 27

A comprehensive supplemental building information plan that some building owners/managers have contracted to be developed for their buildings.