What defines a high-rise fire incident?

A high-rise fire incident is characterized by a fire event occurring in a significantly taller building, typically defined by having multiple floors, often more than seven stories. These structures present unique challenges due to the height, which impacts firefighting strategies, evacuation procedures, and emergency response protocols.

In a high-rise building, factors such as the vertical distance for firefighters to ascend, the need for specialized equipment like aerial ladders, and the complexity of fire prevention systems all contribute to the specific nature of high-rise incidents. Therefore, the clear definition of a high-rise fire encompasses the complexities and additional considerations that come with combating fire in these taller structures, making the identification of the incident based on the height of the building essential for proper operational planning and safety.