What tactic is mandated for high-rise operations in many fire agencies?

Pressurizing the stairwell is a crucial tactic in high-rise fire operations as it is designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of fire service personnel while protecting occupants. When a high-rise building experiences a fire, smoke can quickly fill the stairwells, making them dangerous and potentially impassable for both evacuating occupants and firefighters ascending to fight the fire.

By pressurizing the stairwell, fire departments maintain a greater air pressure within the stairwell compared to adjoining areas. This pressure helps to prevent the intrusion of smoke and heat, creating a safer and more reliable route for evacuation and access to floors above the fire. It is a proactive measure that aids in reducing the risk of smoke inhalation and improves visibility, which is essential for both individuals trying to evacuate and firefighters carrying out their operations.

While other tactics such as evacuating occupants quickly, using exterior ladders, and calling for additional resources are important in the overall strategy for managing high-rise incidents, pressurizing the stairwell specifically addresses the unique challenges posed by smoke movement in high-rise structures. This tactic is consistently emphasized in training and guidelines for fire agencies, making it a fundamental response to high-rise emergencies.