Looking at these pictures shows us a building of ordinary construction. These are usually older buildings and the building we see is typical of many downtown areas. This particular building has storefronts on the main level with multi-family units above.
What are the main characteristics of ordinary construction and how do they relate to fire operations?
What are some problems we face with this type of building in many downtown areas that will cause us concern?
What are the challenges with apparatus placment, not just with this buildling, but with many small, downtown buildings?
What are our challenges in regards to exposures and how do we address them?
These are just a few issues we face with this type of building. It is important to be prepared for a fire in this type of occupancy. It will be challenging, especially late at night when that upstairs is occupied and as you can see, access is not necessarily fast.
Share your thoughts and experiences and as always, train hard and thanks for reading.
Jason
Also on FirefightersEnemy …
- Challenges Everywhere—-But We Have to Get In to See Them – February 17, 2012
- Get Around – March 7, 2012
- More Building Construction for Size Up – February 3, 2012
- Always Preplanning – May 16, 2012
The largest concern with these are renovations which removed the original design structure of the building.