The risk of high-rise property fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments across the United States responded to an average of 14,500 high-rise building fires per year from 2009 to 2013. High-rise building fires are a realistic concern, and should be treated seriously and planned for accordingly.

Additionally, high-rise fires call for heightened attention, as their impact is compounded by multiple levels of potential risk. In other words, the possible damage of a high-rise fire could be worse than a fire in a lower-level building.

Appoint the proper people and procedures

It’s important to have systems in place to combat high-rise building fires. As reported by the Lombard Fire Department, to minimize and manage risk, every Chicago high-rise building — with occupied floors 75 feet or higher above fire department access — must assign staff to the following roles:

Fire safety director.

Alternate fire safety director.

Floor wardens.

Each building must also develop the following methods: