Homes Lost to Unseen Fire

Homes Lost to Unseen Fire

The loss of 27 homes to a fire that never so much as scorched one of them is the unique experience of Chief William Klementovich of Centralia, Pa. The reason is that gases from 140 acres of coal burning beneath the mining town made the homes unfit for occupancy. (See Fire Engineering, September 1981, page 24.)

Meanwhile, the townspeople are awaiting the start of test borings, for which Congress has appropriated $850,000, to define the limits of the underground fire that threatens to make the entire town unhabitable.

CA Fire Department Pilot-Testing Drone Response to “Unknown Type” Fire Calls

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has launched a pilot program making drones the first responders for "unknown type fire" calls.
Mike Dugan and company talking building constructon and disasters

Humpday Hangout: Building Codes and Disasters

Mike Dugan and the panel regulars will talk with their guests about building codes and how proper building construction can mitigate the damage from natural…