PREPLANNING BUILDING HAZARDS
(Top left) Old dangerous combustible ceilings are usually left in place when the new “code-approved,” flame spread-resistant tile is installed during remodeling. This is most dangerous and has caused firefighters and occupants to die. A carbon monoxide bomb is created. Use a heavy-caliber solid stream to tear down the ceiling, eliminate the “bomb void,” and expose the original combustible ceiling. (BCFS3, page 389)
(Top middle) Don`t assume anything. The “brick” is noncombustible vermiculite. The “stone” is combustible, glass-reinforced polyester resin plastic, usually called “fiberglass.” (BCFS3, page 39)
(Top right) This architecturally featured “decoration” is really an inverted queen post truss supporting a heavy load. Apparently, the architect did not recognize the hazard of the unprotected steel. From the building department point of view, the building is classified as “nonfire resistive,” which means that it can be expected to collapse in a serious fire, so the steel is not required to be protected. (BCFS3, page 274)
(Right) Built to collapse? This is a “dog iron” used in many heavy timber buildings to permit one part of a floor to collapse without bringing down the rest of the floor. “Preferential collapse” might be good for the building but not necessarily for firefighters. Beware of assuming that general descriptions of building types apply to any specific building. (BCFS3, page 174)
(Bottom right) Closely spaced wooden buildings expose one another. Note the heavy stream used from the street. Train your firefighters never to get aggressive and move up into the alley. If the fire building were to collapse, there would be no escape. Several firefighters died in such hazardous positions. (BCFS3, page 197) (Photo by Jim Regan.)
Editor`s note: For further reference, consult Building Construction for the Fire Service (BCFS3), Third Edition. Page numbers are included after each caption for your convenience.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
FRANCIS L. BRANNIGAN, SFPE, recipient of Fire Engineering`s first Lifetime Achievement Award, has devoted more than half of his 56-year career to the safety of firefighters in building fires. He is well known for his lectures and videotapes and as the author of Building Construction for the Fire Service, Third Edition, published by the National Fire Protection Association. Brannigan is an editorial advisory board member of Fire Engineering. He may be reached at (301) 855-1982.
