Mid-rise and High-rise Tactics for the Modern Fireground (16TP)

Modern firegrounds are changing. Mid-rise buildings, high-rise towers, big-box occupancies, underground parking garages, lightweight construction, delayed access, wind, complex layouts, modern fuel loads, lithium-ion batteries, energy storage systems, and high-rack storage fires are challenging traditional fire attack models.

This class introduces S.W.A.T. — Special Water Application Tactics, a firefighter-focused approach to getting targeted water where it needs to go when standard handline operations are ineffective, delayed, limited, or have failed.

Students will examine tactical options for applying water in complex environments, including standpipe operations, portable monitors, specialty nozzles, exterior streams, floor-below operations, large-area operations, extended hose stretches, below-grade fires, lithium-ion battery events, energy storage system incidents, and alternative water application methods. The class will also explore how targeted water application can buy time during fire-involved auto extrication and other high-risk rescue scenarios.

The focus is on selecting the right tactic based on the building’s layout, fire location, access, staffing, water supply, fuel package, and the conditions firefighters are facing.

The goal is simple: faster water, targeted stream placement, big-water tactics, improved situational awareness, and smarter fireground operations.