2026 Conference Program

Drive through any small city or town in America today, and you will notice the same thing: an increase in the number of large multiple dwellings, hotels, and office buildings. These buildings contain challenges for firefighters placing handlines into operation due to their large footprint, number of stories, and lack of 360 access. This class details the considerations necessary when determining whether to stretch handlines via the interior or exterior of a building. It takes an in-depth look at building and landscape features, extended handline stretches, and both interior and exterior vertical stretch options. Stretches that fire departments once considered alternate or rare must now be considered normal.