Which personnel initiate stairwell pressurization during an incident?

The initiation of stairwell pressurization is a critical component in fireground operations, particularly in high-rise incidents where smoke and heat need to be controlled to protect evacuees and responders. The responsibility for starting this process typically falls to the personnel who are specifically positioned to assess the building and coordinate the tactical implementation of fire suppression and life safety measures.

The second and third ladder engineers (E/O) are usually in the best position to manage this operation due to their proximity to the incident and their roles in setting up the necessary equipment for effective pressurization. They are trained to operate the fans and ventilation systems that create positive pressure in stairwells, which helps to keep smoke out of the egress paths, allowing for safer evacuation and access for firefighters.

Other individuals listed might play important roles in the incident management structure, but the immediate activation of stairwell pressurization becomes a tactical decision best executed by those who are already engaged in the operations and have the required technical training to implement it effectively.