IHROC Announces Five-Day Research-Driven Event Nov 9–13, 2026
Pensacola Beach, Florida — The International High-Rise Operations Conference (IHROC) is pleased to announce a five-day, research-focused training program scheduled for November 9–13, 2026. Delivered in partnership with County Fire Tactics, the event will bring together firefighters, instructors, researchers, and incident commanders from across North America and abroad.
The aim is to advance the global understanding of high-rise firefighting operations through structured education, rigorous, timed evaluations, and comprehensive data analysis.
The 2026 program is designed to address the increasing complexity of high-rise buildings and the operational challenges that accompany them. Over the course of five days, IHROC will lead one of the most extensive performance studies to date, capturing measurable data across twelve critical high-rise operational challenges.
A Research-Driven Approach to High-Rise Operations
Participants will engage in an integrated training and research environment that includes:
- Classroom Instruction exploring fire dynamics, deployment models, situational factors, and operational science.
- Hands-On Circuit Training featuring WET and DRY evolutions across twelve scenario-specific challenges.
- Timed Task Evaluations examining standpipe operations, vertical movement, water supply, lithium-ion considerations, and wind-impacted fire behavior.
- Improvised Standpipe Operations, including both interior and exterior coupling-drop methods.
- Working-Group Analysis Sessions utilizing dioramas, tactical models, and international case studies to review all collected data.
The final two days are dedicated to structured analytical work that directly contributes to future tactical models, academic research, and evidence-based best practices for high-rise firefighting.
Participants: A Profile of Today’s Fire Service
IHROC encourages participation from firefighters of all experience levels and backgrounds, ensuring research reflects the true diversity and operational realities of the modern fire service.
A diverse attendee base provides valuable insight into how various departments and staffing configurations address high-rise operations.
Program Highlights
Day One — Essentials (Teams of 2)
On Day One, participants complete a WET circuit training session for all 12 scenarios, supported by foundational instruction on high-rise firefighting principles.
Day Two — Deployment & Tactics (Teams of 3)
On Day Two, four DRY tactical rotations focus on hallway stretches, wind-driven conditions, lithium-ion exposure protection, and smoke-control strategies.
Day Three — Improvised Standpipe Operations (Teams of 3)
Day Three introduces interior and exterior coupling-drop methods, cladding fire control concepts, and EV underground parking fire considerations.
Day Four & Day Five — Working-Group Analysis
The final two days focus on a comprehensive, data-driven review of findings. These are supported by international presentations and structured input for future operational development models.
Daily Media Features
- Book Signing — Open to all participants at the conclusion of each training day.
- Instructor Podcast — Daily sessions featuring instructional staff insights.
- Participant Podcast — Attendees share perspectives and operational experiences from their home departments.
Registration Information
Register through CountyFireTactics.com. Participants arrange their own travel and lodging. Conference fees cover venue, equipment, consumables, and logistics for safe, effective training.
About IHROC
The International High-Rise Operations Conference is committed to advancing the study and practice of high-rise firefighting. Through rigorous research, operational expertise, and hands-on evaluation, IHROC seeks to enhance firefighter readiness and improve safety outcomes for both responders and building occupants. Its mission is to strengthen high-rise firefighting capabilities worldwide through a unified, evidence-based approach.
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