This class will examine the significance of the first five critical minutes of a high-rise fire, which represents the greatest area of operational vulnerability and is highly prone to error.  Incident demands require the appropriate tactical inputs based on intelligent, time-sensitive decision making.  High-rise fires require the entire operation be quickly moved vertically while prioritizing the appropriate course of actions under the burden of time.  This class will examine experience-based, highly effective high-rise structured response models, addressing the pragmatic realities of high-rise fires.  Lessons learned and case studies will be shared to provide valuable insight into the significance of a methodical, well-planned approach during the first few critical minutes.  It will explain how time influences outcomes, identify predictable areas of tactical breakdown and ineffectiveness, and address potential barriers associated with the challenges of vertical firefighting.