What is a realistic estimate of the time between alarm activation and the start of extinguishment in high-rise building fires?

The estimate of 20 minutes between alarm activation and the start of extinguishment in high-rise building fires is based on several factors specific to the environment and circumstances of such incidents. In high-rise structures, the time it takes for alarms to be triggered, occupants to exit, and firefighters to travel from the ground-level to the location of the fire can be significant.

Firefighters need to navigate multiple floors, which can be time-consuming due to stairwell congestion, elevator access policies, and fire department protocols. Additionally, once they arrive at the scene, they must quickly assess the situation, establish a command, position their apparatus, and deploy hoses before beginning the actual extinguishment process.

All these actions contribute to a delay in the firefighting efforts right after the alarm activation. The 20-minute estimate reflects a realistic scenario acknowledging these delays while also considering the urgency of response needed to adequately address the fire hazard in such an environment. In high-rise fires, speed and preparedness are crucial, but the inherent characteristics of these buildings mean that some time will inevitably pass before firefighters can effectively combat the blaze.