What action should the Incident Commander take upon confirming a high-rise fire?

When a high-rise fire is confirmed, it is critical for the Incident Commander to assess the scale of the incident and the potential need for increased resources. Ordering a second alarm is a necessary action at this point because high-rise fires usually require a substantial response due to their complexity, the potential number of people affected, and the challenges posed by the height of the building.

A second alarm will bring additional firefighting resources to the scene, allowing for more personnel to conduct fire suppression, search and rescue operations, and provide medical support as needed. High-rise fires often involve multiple floors, and the extra units can assist with ventilation, fire control, and ensure that evacuation processes are in place effectively. Thus, activating a second alarm maximizes safety and operational efficiency during a critical incident.

The other options, while they may be necessary at some point in the response, do not directly address the immediate need for more firefighting resources, which is paramount in a high-rise fire scenario. The priority in such situations is to manage the fire and protect lives effectively.