Fire Spyder will be at the 9th Int. High Rise Fire Safety Conf USA April 7-9th '25
Introduction
Fire Spyder™
.....is an exterior high-rise firefighting and support system designed to give firefighters higher reach, speed, and efficiency (better & more façade coverage) in tackling high-rise fires. This innovative yet simple and fast mechanical system securely attaches to a building’s façade, enabling rapid fire attack and vital logistical support where conventional methods are virtually non existent.
With the Fire Spyder™ fire fighters can attack fires at heights FAR ABOVE the reach of the worlds tallest turntable ladders WHILST adding flexibility, providing essential logistical support to fire attack crews.
The system was first disclosed at the Geneva Inventions Exhibition (2023) where it was awarded a Bronze Medal. In 2024 an international patent application under the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) was filed in Europe.
This year, 2025, a successful Proof of Concept (PoC) was conducted in an Asian country and witnessed/certified by Bureau Veritas.
Patent is pending in the USA, EU (UK) and China.
The monitor plate as part of the Fire Spyder™ system
the problem of high rise fire fighting defined
Two major challenges make high-rise operations extremely difficult: the complex logistical aspect and the overwhelming exposure.
Logistical Aspect:
Elevators, the primary means of moving people to upper floors in a high-rise, can quickly become dangerous and even deadly.
"…we cannot solely depend on elevators for internal logistical support…"
"...they have to be used with great discretion...."
Stairs, while an alternative, pose their own difficulties.
As firefighters attempt to ascend, numerous occupants are evacuating downward, creating congestion and slowing progress. The stairwell becomes a frustrating bottleneck, particularly as firefighters carry heavy loads, including SCBA, spare air cylinders, hose packs, and other bulky equipment—often adding 50 to 100 pounds of extra weight.
Reflex times become a critical factor, as even a highly skilled engine company may take 10, 15, 20, or even over 30 minutes to stretch an attack line and supply water to a serious high-rise fire.
Additionally, the standpipe system—essential for firefighting operations—can fail for various reasons, turning into a logistical nightmare that demands significant manpower to resolve.
Overwhelming Exposure:
Every fire presents a six-sided, multidimensional challenge. The six by-products of fire—smoke, heat, and flame among them—spread in all directions, posing significant dangers. However, the natural upward movement of fire makes high-rise buildings particularly vulnerable to rapid fire growth and vertical extension, further complicating firefighting efforts.
Therefore:
" Fire departments, and specifically individual fire companies, should constantly be proactively working to develop new methods to quickly and efficiently transport tools and equipment to the upper floors of a high rise building"
from FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS in HIGH RISE AND STANDPIPE EQUIPPED BUILDINGS ( David M. Mc Grail, chapter 5, page 73 to 78).
David M Mc Grail book on High Rise Fire Fighting
Facade or front view
Explanation
The Fire Spyder™ System Overview
The monitor plate, equipped with a nozzle and fire hose, can be precisely positioned anywhere within the designated white dashed triangle. This is achieved through the adjustment of yellow winch wires, which control its elevation and movement. A green tension wire ensures system stability by maintaining proper alignment.
For secure deployment, the system is anchored at two points—either pre-installed or rapidly set up during an emergency. Operators control the positioning of the monitor plate effortlessly using a joystick, enabling precise targeting for effective high-rise firefighting.
Aerial view (during Proof of concept)
This aerial view captures the Fire Spyder™ system in action during deployment. It provides a clear overview of the operational setup. For more details and to watch the full Proof of Concept video, visit the Proof of Concept tab.
Operational capabilities of the fire spyder
Fire Spyder™: (unmatched) Operational Advantages:
- Higher Reach – Effectively combats fires beyond 400 ft (122m), surpassing conventional firefighting methods.
- Faster & Safer – As an exterior system, Fire Spyder™ enables rapid response while keeping firefighters out of harm’s way.
- Instant Readiness – Fully operational within minutes on any building, ensuring immediate firefighting action.
- High-Speed Deployment – Winches provide ultra-fast response, achieving façade coverage speeds of >100 ft/min (30m/min) in any direction with full (façade) coverage.
- Fire Service Controlled – 100% owned, operated, and maintained by fire services, eliminating reliance on third-party equipment.
Fire Spyder™: Multi-Functionality Beyond Firefighting
- Exterior Firefighting & Boundary Cooling – Delivers master stream water, foam, or other agents for effective fire suppression and temperature control.
- Critical Logistics Support – Facilitates the rapid transport of essential equipment, such as air bottles, to and from high floors.
- Facilitate ventilation by fracturing break through glass façade(s) (OPTIONAL functionality).
- Advanced Monitoring – Integrates FLIR cameras and other sensors for real-time fire assessment and situational awareness.
- Multi-Use System – Functions as a standpipe, power supply, and Firefighter Air Replenishment System (FARS) to support extended operations.
- Assist Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) and Fire Fighter Assist and Search Team (FAST) by deploying Stokes Baskets/ Sked Devices.
Fire Spyder™: Operational set up
The Fire Spyder™ system arrives fully equipped on a fire engine or truck, requiring no third-party tools or additional equipment.
Upon arrival, two teams of at least two firefighters move to an elevated position above the fire, ideally to the top left and right corners of the building, where they install heavy-duty mechanical anchors into the concrete floor or parapet. As the firefighters ascend, two drones deliver steel work wires with pulleys to the designated anchor points and execute a handover (handshake). The firefighters then secure the wires to the anchors using a steel chain, ensuring a stable, strong and reliable setup.
Once this is complete, the drones are dismissed and can be reassigned to other operational tasks. With the system now securely rigged, the monitor plate, equipped with a nozzle and fire hose, is winched to the desired location.
Its movement and positioning are precisely controlled via a joystick, while the wires remain under constant tension, ensuring smooth and stable travel along the high-rise façade. When required the water can be supplied to the fire hose and nozzle.