What is a primary risk associated with operating in high-rise buildings during a fire?

Operating in high-rise buildings during a fire presents unique challenges, particularly concerning accessibility and evacuation of occupants. High-rise structures often have multiple floors, which makes it more complicated for firefighters to reach the source of the fire as well as to assist in evacuating residents. The stairwells and elevators create additional hurdles; elevators can be dangerous to use during a fire due to the risk of malfunction, while stairwells can become congested with panicked occupants attempting to escape.

Moreover, high-rise buildings can have specific complications related to their height, such as limited options for aerial apparatus and longer hose lays, which can impede swift firefighting efforts. The need to manage large crowds of occupants can significantly increase the risk of chaos, which can lead to injuries or fatalities if proper protocols are not followed. Firefighters must be well-trained to navigate these complexities to ensure both their safety and that of the building's occupants.