By Michael A. Terpak
A “Hollywood front” (a peaked parapet or false peak of wood-frame construction) poses significant hazards to firefighters responding to structures with this construction feature. Properly identifying this construction feature can reduce the risks to firefighters and possibly aid in the overall firefighting operation.
 “Hollywood front”: Street view from side A. (Photos by author.) |
The design of the Hollywood front came from the motion picture industry on the West Coast. To create the look of an actual building without totally erecting one, set designers would create a building facade or front, which was nothing more than the front or shell of a building with all the windows, trim, paint, curtains, and blinds in place. A view from the rear shows a structural bracing holding a building facade in place.
IDENTIFICATION AND CONCERN
A Hollywood front on the upper level of a private dwelling (of a little better construction than those used in the motion picture industry) is a common sight in many jurisdictions. The structure is actually a two- or three-story flat-roof building of wood-frame construction, and this false peak gives the illusion from the street of a peaked-roof building. This addition to the actual roof line was done for aesthetics.
 Elevated view from side D. |
If you view the building from the side, corner, or rear, you will actually see a flat-roof building that has a peaked front. This peaked front can extend above the actual roof deck from eight to 12 feet and be six to eight feet deep from the front of the building. This front creates problems during firefighting operations at night, in inclement weather, and in heavy smoke conditions. An unsuspecting firefighter may think he is climbing onto a peaked roof when, in reality, if he takes a few steps more toward the rear of the structure, he may drop eight to 12 feet to the roof deck below.
Some Hollywood fronts actually have a window in the peak, which from the street may give the appearance of an attic apartment. Although the width may vary, the space, if it is accessible at all, can be used as a storage/attic space. But never rule out the possibility that a room may be in this space, especially if the width of the Hollywood front is in excess of eight feet. I have seen some windows in these fronts with curtains and blinds, which can further confuse those viewing the building from the front.
 Note the beginning of the actual roof line. |
These fronts further emphasize the need for firefighters to view more than just the street side of the building during size-up. When the building is set back and attached, it may be even more difficult to see the false peak. The width of the false front may exclude your ability to totally see it from any side. A visual cue from the street side that is often present with a Hollywood front is a view of the building’s corner where the peaked slope meets the top floor. You may see a small section of the actual roof line in this area, a tip-off that this is a flat-roof-not a peaked-roof-building.
ACCESS OPTIONS
One of the few advantages of a Hollywood front is that removing the windows or vent may give direct access to the building’s cockloft/attic space. Placing a tower ladder or an aerial ladder up to the gable end, removing the window/vent, and enlarging the opening, accessing the space, will help you ventilate the cockloft area or, depending on conditions, will enable you to operate a stream into the space.
Whether you refer to it as a false front, peaked facade, or Hollywood front, it is important to recognize this construction feature on structures in your response area to ensure safe and efficient operations at these structures.
Michael A. Terpak, a 25-year veteran of the fire service, is chief of the 2nd Battalion of the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department. He has a B.S. degree in fire safety administration from the New Jersey City University. He has been on staff at various fire academies in the state of New Jersey and has lectured on fire and rescue topics throughout the country. He is the author of the forthcoming book Fireground Size-Up, published by Fire Engineering.
