By Ben May and Greg Rogers
Recently. I (May) had a conversation with Doctor Burt Clark, author of I Can’t Save You But I’ll Die Trying: The American Fire Culture. As always, it was such an enlightening and instructive conversation. Yes, there is more then a “fire problem.” There is a culture problem. I began to think about this issue and what we might do to carry out the mission of the fire service while minimizing loss of any lives—including those of firefighters. Compared to other countries like Japan or the United Kingdom, the emphasis in the United States has been on suppression as opposed to prevention. I also recognize that with the introduction of community risk reduction, there is a growing understanding of an all-hazards approach in addition to prevention and public education.
I spoke to my friend, Greg Rogers, recently retired fire marshal of Spokane Valley (WA) Fire Department, and newly appointed regional director of the National Fire Protection Association. He enlightened me about the study of fire science in general, and the role of fire protection engineers. These are our thoughts.
The Role of the Fire Protection Engineer
Fire protection has long been a cornerstone of public safety, with fire departments across the country taking the lead in safeguarding lives and property. While firefighting and emergency response are essential, proactive fire prevention measures play an equally critical role in reducing fire risk. One of the most effective ways to enhance fire prevention strategies within a fire department is by employing dedicated fire protection engineers (FPEs). Fire protection engineers bring specialized expertise in fire behavior, building codes, and fire safety design, making them invaluable assets in ensuring that the buildings in a department’s jurisdiction are properly protected.
Strengthening Our Misson
The primary mission of a fire department is to protect lives and property. Fire protection engineers can significantly strengthen that mission by enhancing the department’s ability to address fire risks before they result in dangerous incidents. FPEs are specially trained to understand how fires start, spread, and behave in various structures. This knowledge allows them to design systems and implement strategies that minimize fire risk, from ensuring that fire alarms and sprinkler systems are appropriately designed to advising on construction materials that resist fire. This kind of foresight is vital, as it helps reduce the occurrence and severity of fires, thus lessening the demand for emergency response. A major reason for incorporating
FPEs into fire departments is their deep understanding of building codes and fire safety regulations. Buildings, especially commercial, industrial, or high-rise structures, must meet complex codes to ensure they are fire-resistant and equipped with life safety systems. FPEs work with architects, builders, and building owners to ensure these requirements are met during the design and construction phases. Their involvement can prevent costly code violations and mitigate fire hazards in the built environment. Additionally, because codes often evolve based on new research and technologies, FPEs ensure that fire departments stay ahead of these changes and apply the latest, most effective fire protection standards.
Target Hazard Evaluation
Moreover, FPEs play a crucial role in assessing the fire risks associated with unique or high-hazard facilities, such as hospitals, data centers, and chemical plants. These structures present challenges beyond those encountered in standard buildings, often requiring tailored fire protection systems. Fire protection engineers can evaluate the specific needs of these facilities, design custom fire suppression solutions, and develop emergency response plans that take into account the building’s layout and occupancy. By doing so, they help ensure that even the most complex structures are adequately protected, minimizing the potential for large-scale disasters.
Public Risk Education
Another important role that FPEs fill within fire departments is educating the public and other firefighters about fire risks and prevention strategies. They are uniquely positioned to train fire inspectors, plan reviewers, and firefighters on the importance of fire-resistant construction, the operation of fire protection systems, and best practices in fire prevention. Their technical knowledge bridges the gap between firefighting and fire prevention, fostering a more comprehensive approach to protecting the community.
The Cost Effectiveness of the Fire Protection Engineer
Additionally, we should not overlook the cost-effectiveness of having FPEs on. By preventing fires or reducing their severity through improved building design and fire suppression systems, FPEs save lives, reduce property damage, and lower the overall financial burden on fire departments. Fewer emergency calls and less damage mean that departments can allocate their resources more efficiently and focus on other critical areas of public safety.
Fire departments that employ fire protection engineers gain a significant advantage in protecting their communities. Their expertise in fire behavior, building codes, risk assessment, and fire safety system design enhances the department’s proactive fire prevention efforts. In today’s complex built environment, where buildings are taller, more intricate, and house a range of hazardous materials, the role of the FPE is more important than ever. By incorporating FPEs into their ranks, fire departments can ensure safer buildings- ultimately, safer communities and the safety of our firefighters.
Ben May is a board director of the Center for Excellence in Public Safety for international fire and emergency services. He is board director for The Leadership Crucible, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leadership excellence. Ben is a retired global director of corporate alliances for the Walt Disney Company. He has been a fire fighter in Montgomery County, Maryland, as well as a fire commissioner in Washington state. He has been a consultant to the U.S. Fire Administration and Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection Publications IFSTA.
Greg Rogers is a retired fire chief who began his career as an instructor at the Oklahoma State Fire Service Training Center in 1992. He has presented sessions in the United Kingdom and Shanghai, China, and is Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire and Life Safety Section.
