Which firefighting tactic is primarily used for high-rise building fires?

Standpipe operations are essential for combating fires in high-rise buildings due to the unique challenges presented in these environments. High-rise structures often exceed the reach of standard fire hoses, making it difficult for firefighters to bring water directly from the ground level to higher floors. Standpipe systems, which consist of a network of pipes built into the building's structure, provide a reliable source of water on each floor.

Firefighters can connect hoses to standpipe risers at various levels, allowing them to effectively tackle fires from within the building without needing to transport large volumes of water up numerous flights of stairs. This system not only increases efficiency but also enhances safety for both firefighters and occupants by allowing more immediate access to water where it is most needed during a fire emergency.

Other options such as ground ladder operations and aerial operations play vital roles in firefighting but are not primarily focused on high-rise incidents where vertical water supply is the crucial factor. Fireboat operations are specific to waterfront firefighting scenarios and generally not applicable to high-rise building fires. Therefore, standpipe operations stand out as the most critical tactic for managing fires in high-rise buildings.