Fires in apartment buildings present unique challenges that require specific tactics to ensure rapid water application to the seat of the fire. Engine companies must be proficient at promptly selecting, stretching, and advancing the initial attack line. Although these priorities are the same at every fire, apartment fires add potential complexities of long stretches to upper floors and lengthy advances down smoke-filled hallways. In addition, engine company personnel may encounter numerous variables, including imminent rescues, clogged hallways and stairwells, and building systems.  This presentation will provide you with the essentials when it comes to developing engine company preplans and tactics that work in these challenging buildings.