Skip to content

Archives for fire-prevention-education

See all posts in the network tagged with fire-prevention-education

Who Needs Accessible Exits?

1 comment
Do the exit doors really need to be able to open?

Do the exit doors really need to be able to open?

This is an example of something that happens frequently.  Store owners or building owners want to protect there merchandise and prohibit unwanted foot traffic in and out of unsupervised areas.

There is almost no way a person scared and almost blind from smoke would be able to exit from this door.

This also makes entry into this door difficult for firefighters. That top slat would be difficult to get to.

A lost firefighter could find the door locked and even remove the lower slat, but the top one may keep him from escaping.

Keep a good look out for these and explain the other options out there that are safer, like panic hardware.

Stay safe and do your inspections.

Posted by on January 25, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, exits, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Burnt Breakers

No comments
Check the panel boxes, you never know what you will find.

Check the panel boxes, you never know what you will find.

Take a look inside the breaker boxes if you get a chance. Especially if something seems “not right.”

These two breakers are melted and still have wires connected.  In certain instances they will fail and be overloaded and instead of being removed, get left on the bar.

These are no longer on the bar, but we need to know what, if anything, is powering whatever was connected to these breakers.

Just be aware that if a panel box looks bad, you may need to look a little harder and take off the panel cover.

Be careful and stay safe out there.

Posted by on January 22, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Vertical Fire Stopping

1 comment
Vertical fire stopping is critical for maintaining fire separation.

Vertical fire stopping is critical for maintaining fire separation.

This is a good picture of vertical fire stopping.

These penetrations need to be appropriately fire stopped in order to maintain the fire separation rating of that floor/ceiling assembly.

This is a large space that was fire stopped and the inspector needs to make sure the materials were UL listed and applied correctly.

Many times, especially with caulking, it is only effective for filling a certain size space but will be used in much larger spaces because the contractor did not read the UL listing for application.

There should be no gaps or spaces for heat and smoke to get through.  This kind of material will swell, creating a hard air-tight obstacle for fire and smoke.

Stay safe and fire prevention needs to be everyday.  This stuff is your first step to situational awareness.

Posted by on January 19, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , ,

Identifying RTU’s From the Interior

No comments

 

 

This is a good indicator that there is a roof top unit.
This is a good indicator that there is a roof top unit.

 

 

The last post showed the RTU from the exterior. Most can be identfified that way from the outside or from getting on the roof through a hatch.

But, what if the building is very large and tall?  In some instances the make up of the building doesn’t allow for easy viewing of the roof top.  The return air can be seen going into the RTU possibly indicating that there is additional load on the trusses.

Just be aware of what is above you.  Some of these large buildings will have several of these on the roof just waiting to come crashing down.  Follow the duct work and see where it goes. If you don’t see the full unit, it is likely on the roof.

In addition, look at the roof system.  Who can identify what the added danger is?

When inside, look for this type of situation.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, training-development, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

2×4′s for Locks

No comments

Great use of a 2x4!
Great use of a 2×4!

Someone thought its was a good idea to put a 2×4 in the door to keep it locked.

But, it will also do a good job of keeping people in during a fire.

If it is dark and people are panicked, that board could cause some big problems.

The board very easily could prohibit people from getting out in an emergency.  If you see this, look for other types of locks on this door too.  If they are willing to put a board in there, they have also tried other methods of locking people in.

Remove the board and explain why it is dangerous.  Be aware of these types of issues on inspection. It could make a huge difference.

Stay safe and take care.

Posted by on January 14, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Long Way Down

No comments
That's a long way down.

That's a long way down.

These rear exits are a good ways off of the ground.  People trying to make an attempt to exit through these rear exits will find themselves making a huge leap.

This is an issue that should have been addressed during the plan review stage and emphasizes why doing plan reviews are so important.

I would venture to guess that the original plans called for stairs and they just never got put in.

This creates a dangerous situation for those that might have to evacuate this building to the rear. Not only is it a long way down, jumping may cause a person to lose his/her balance and roll right into that water.

If you do plan reviews, make sure you inspect all the way through the project. Don’t let contractors get by with promising to put something like these stairs in before they officially open.  Make sure all safety components are installed and in service prior to issuing an occupancy permit.

Stay safe and do those inspections.

Posted by on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Bulging Walls

2 comments

The integrity of this building is already compromised.
The integrity of this building is already compromised.

This is the type of thing you would want to note on an inspection or pre-plan.

If you had a working fire inside this building, getting a view from all sides would be important to find something like this.

This is telling you that this building is already under stress and if attacked by fire it could fail faster than expected.

You might notice smoke pushing from this or even fire. The important thing is to keep it in mind if crews are working inside or even on the exterior.

Just another example of the need to keep your eyes open on inspections, pre-planning visits and on the workers.

The photo was found at brotherhood trainings website. Check them out at http://brotherhoodinstructors.com

As always, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Fire Stopping Penetrations Part 1

1 comment
What's Good for One is Good for the Other.

What's Good for One is Good for the Other.

This is a great picture of how fire stopping is done.

As you can see, one penetration has been fire caulked while the one right next to it has  not been.

Many times each subcontractor will be responsible for doing his own fire stopping.  This at times will get confusion for some generals as to who has done what.

On other occasions, this may be an existing building that a new utility was added to and nobody bothered to do any fire stopping.

When accepting fire stopping make sure that the product and the application are compatible with the proper UL listing.  Each manufacturer has different products and applications, but they need to meet the appropriate UL listing.

In addition, depending on what type of occupancy this is, those wires may need to  be plenum rated.  Ask for specifications and ensure that the materials being used are appropriate.

Stay safe and I will be posting more on fire stopping.  It is crucial in keeping fire travel to a minimum.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, fires, training-development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Cuts Could Jeopardize Fire Programs in Arizona

No comments

Today I received an informational email outlining the immediate suspension of services provided by the Arizona State Fire Marshal’s Office.  I am waiting on more information about how these cuts will directly effect the Arizona fire service, but some mentioned in the announcement are obvious.

If some of you in the Arizona area  have more knowledge, please pass it on. Here is the announcement that the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association put out in regards to this issue:

Suspension of State Fire Marshal Programs

By: Arizona Fire Chiefs Association

Published: 1/8/2010

Dear AFCA Member:

Due to budget reductions and other mandates, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has immediately suspended several significant programs and implemented polices, procedures and processes which are necessary to reflect staff reductions in the Office. Specifically, 3 positions will be immediately vacated including two Fire Training Program Specialists and the State Fire Resource Coordinator. These reductions and mandates will eliminate all state training and certification programs as well as Fire Marshal support for the Statewide Mutual Aid Program, the NFIRS Reporting System and other major programs and activities.

In addition, the 2nd Annual Arizona Fire Instructors Conference, scheduled for April 8th and 9th in Mesa, and is a collaborative event between the AFCA and the State Fire Marshals Office, has been cancelled.

Some important questions I have is where will cadets and candidates get their state certification testing or will they be exempt from such requirements?

What will happen in jurisdictions that depend on state sponsored courses because of already small budgets and lack of resources?

Who is going to pay the price for the cuts and decrease in services and how much burden are the local agencies going to be expected to carry?

What is, or is there, a plan to reinstitute these services?  It is sad to say that typically once items are cut for budgetary purposes, they never come back.

Knowing the fire service like I do, they will adapt and overcome and the politicians will think that we are doing okay with what we have.  How far do they think we can be stretched until we break?

I will try to keep you updated on this, and some may already have more information than me. If you do, please pass it along. If Arizona has done this, then there will surely be more states looking to cut costs by slashing important services.

Stay safe out there and fight the good fight.

Posted by on January 11, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, funding-staffing, news • Tagged: , , ,

Trip to the Hardware Store

2 comments
How are we supposed to get out?!

How are we supposed to get out?!

Even if it wasn't blocked, this exit is locked with a padlock.

Even if it wasn't blocked, this exit is locked with a padlock.

While at the hardware store the other day, I noticed the condition of this means of egress door.

It is blocked with a display case. As you can see from the photo, the panic hardware is not accessible and can barely be seen.

A closer look shows that even if the exit was accessible and did not have the display case in front of it, it is locked.]

There is a slide bolt that is padlocked on the exit door.  So, even if it wasn’t blocked, you would  never get out.

A firefighter that might be lost and was following a wall looking for doors and windows could come across this door and still not be able to escape.

These are the things that we need to bring to the attention of the business owners.  Typically, once they understand why the door needs to be accessible and not bolted, they remedy the issue.

Be diligent and do inspections.  These issues could mean the difference in people getting out of a fire or emergency. It could also mean the difference in how a Mayday is resolved.

Stay safe and be careful out there.

Posted by on January 10, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Is It Real? Or Is It Something Worse?

No comments

Would you be able to tell that these tiles were solar panels or not?
Would you be able to tell that these tiles were solar panels or not?

Here is a picture of a roof with slate tiles for the roof covering. Nothing really to note here, right?

Looks like an area had been repaired or replaced but is still the same slate tile, right?

The slight color difference is probably from being newly installed or repaired.  But, would it look any different at night? In the rain? How about snow covered?

The truth is, those different colored panels are solar tiles for solar enegry. Yes, they are energized and could cover an entire roof.  If your wondaring, yes, they come in different colors too.

These solar panels aren’t that new to building contruction, but they always stuck out like a sore thumb. Now, with new technology, companies are able to make these panels “blend in” and look very much like the rest of the house and roof.

If you pulled up on one of these houses would you know how to operate safely on this roof?

What is the primary concern with these types of roofs?

Post your experiences and/or ideas about this new challenge that we will all someday see.

Stay safe and be careful out there. Train hard and often.

Posted by on January 8, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fires, green construction, i joists, inspections, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

TV vs. Emergency Lights

No comments
Let's put the TV here, we don't really need these anyway.

Let's put the TV here, we don't really need these anyway.

You may have to look hard and wide to find the emergency systems during your inspections.

This occupancy decided that the television was more important than the emergency lighting.

Things will get pushed in front of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and of course exits.  If the place is pretty junked up, take some extra time to find these items and ensure that they are freed from obstacles.

Be safe and stay warm out there, most of are freezing.

Posted by on January 8, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: , , , , ,

Mercy Hospital Fire 1950 Kills 41-Davenport, IA

No comments

On this day, in the early morning, in 1950 a fire broke out in the Mercy Hospital in Davenport, IA. The fire was noticed by a night nurse making rounds when she noticed smoke in the courtyard and then found the St. Elizabeth mental ward in flames.

All of the victims that were trapped, 65 in all, were mentally ill and most unable to make valid attempts of escape.

The rooms were secured with wire mesh and bars for keeping the patients in their rooms and the ward. The screams of women could be heard as rescue attempts were made, but due to the progression of the fire, most were futile.

One nurse was able to get some of her patients out of the building and re-entered to try to rescue more, but never made it back out.

There were a total of 41 people who died that cold night. The building was not sprinklered and was suggested to be so by the fire chief a year earlier.

Posted by on January 7, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, historic fires, inspections • Tagged: , , ,

Rats Nest of Wires

No comments
This is obviously wrong!

This is obviously wrong!

Whether you do commercial or residential or both types of inspections, this is not acceptable. We can get into what the NEC says and any other electrical code, but this is obviously wrong.

This is an electrical fire waiting to happen. Depending on when this was done, likely after the initial construction phase, it is a good argument for permits and construction plan reviewing.

I just thought this was a great picture. What a mess.

Posted by on January 6, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, fires • Tagged: , , ,

Obstructed FDC

No comments
Candy wrapper, one of many items that can be foun inside your sprinkler/standpipe connections.

Candy wrapper, one of many items that can be foun inside your sprinkler/standpipe connections.

Many jurisdictions have adopted ordinances that require locking caps on FDCs which greatly reduces the probability of tampering.  Otherwise, ask the property owners to frequently check these connections.

Things such as rocks, bottles, balls and anything else that will fit in them have been found.  These objects will limit water flow and reduce the effectiveness if not make it non-functional for fire protection.

Stay safe and make sure to know  where these are during your inspections and pre-planning.

Posted by on January 6, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Green Roofs

6 comments
Sample cut away of a Green roof

Sample cut away of a Green roof

We have posted about Green Construction and how it may affect our tactical operations at a fire.

Here is a sample cut away of a Green roof.

As you can see, there are several layers of materials that make up the roof. This type of roof is going to be difficult to vent and the weight of the materials, especially the sod and dirt, could cause building components to fail earlier than normal.

You might not have these in your jurisdiction yet, but most of us will likely be seeing this in the coming years and maybe months. Just take into consideration that these are not the same as other buildings and other systems may cause us other problems as well. Be careful and take care.

Posted by on January 5, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, green construction • Tagged: , , , , ,

More Than Just Floors

No comments
Engineered I-Joists being used in construction of roofs.

Engineered I-Joists being used in construction of roofs.

We have been learning about these engineered i-joists over the last several years and we know about the dangers of falling through floors that seem to be intact.

As you can see, these building components are also being used for roofing systems. We are already careful because of the history of light-weight truss systems, but I can see the same problem with these i-joists.

Just remember, the houses are getting bigger and lighter and they are burning faster. Situational awareness and a strong understanding of the risk vs. benefit theory is a must.

Keep you and your people safe and get to know what is being built in your area.

Posted by on January 5, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, trusses • Tagged: , , , ,

Lunch Break Table

No comments
We would like a table by the exit!

We would like a table by the exit!

We would like a table by the exit!

This happens on a regular basis in many establishments in order to increase the number of seating. Although most would think that this is a minimal obstacle, when people are in a panic and are rushing to get out, this little table and two chairs become a serious problem.

This situation has to be corrected to make this exit accessible. There has to be a clear path of travel to this door to make the exit effective.

Another obstacle that you might see like this is a trash can or large potted plants. They all have to be moved.

Remember, this may be your only way out while fighting a fire and you could easily get entangled in these obstacles as well. Pay attention and be careful.

Posted by on January 3, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Importance of Exits

No comments
Importance of exits

Importance of exits

We can see that the signs on the doors must not be in the language of the owners of this store.

Normal, everyday citizens and store owners don’t understand the importance of these exit doors. They don’t understand that this is how people will get out safely if something bad happens in there, like a fire.

I know a great deal of firefighters that do not like doing inspections and some departments just flat out don’t do them. This is a perfect example of why we need to do company inspections.

Inspecting and requiring corrections like the removal of these obstructions is part of our job to serve and protect. No, it’s not making a good grab in a smoked up house fire, but it is just as important and could save more lives than you might think.

Take inspections seriously and get out and do them. Stay safe and keep your citizens safe.

Posted by on January 3, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: , , , ,

Iroquois Theater Fire Anniversary

No comments
Iroquois Theater Fire

Iroquois Theater Fire

Iroquois Theater Fire

Iroquois Theater Fire

iroquois-smoke

Iroquois Theater Fire

The Iroquois Theater opened in Chicago in 1903 and like many things built in that time period, was touted as being “fire proof.”  

On December 30th, the play “Mr. Bluebeard” was being performed and at around 3:00PM a scene portraying moonlight was set.  There were approximately 1900 people in the crowd, many standing in whatever space was not taken up by the seats.  

A spark from a stage light ignited some scenery and the night would soon turn tragic.  

As actors asked the crowd to stay calm, the orchestra kept playing as burning scenery fell from the set behind and above them.  Panic soon swept through the crowd and the mad rush to escape began.  

Since the theater was already filled beyond capacity, doors were jammed with fallen bodies and people were trampled trying to get out.  In addition, some exits were not seen because there were no lit exits and some were locked with iron bars for security.  

In the end, 630 people died in this fire.  After the fire, it was noted that regulations and inspections were lax in the theater and other theaters were immediately closed until they passed inspection.  

This fire definately has had an impact on fire codes and ordinances in relation to public assembly occupancies.  However, this is not too disimilair from the Station Nightclub fire just a few short years ago.  

Remember, inspections matter and you must be firm in making sure these facilities are up to code. Stay safe and learn our lessons from reading about the past, not re-living it.

Posted by on December 30, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, mass-casualty-incident

Roosevelt Hotel Fire 1963

No comments
Roosevelt Hotel

Roosevelt Hotel

The ballroom held many events and this night hosted a paThe  fire started in the ballroom and was said to have started from a discarded cigarrette but it actually began in the ceiling from faulty wiring.rty after the Gator Bowl.  This hotel was one of only two luxury hotels in Jacksonville, FL at the time.

The first calls came in at about 0700 to the Jacksonville Fire Department and smoke was already traveling throughout the 13 story building with people hanging out windows and some actually used bedsheets to climb to safety.

Helicopters were flown in and some patrons were removed from the roof. It has been estimated that 475 people were rescued that night, but 21 hotel guests died in their beds, believed to have been from carbon monoxide poisioning and the assistant chief, J.R. Romedy collapsed during the initial rescue efforts from a heart attack and died at the scene.

Where the fire started, in the ceiling of the ballroom, was scrutinized because the ceiling was deemed a fire hazard due to the finish. When the ceiling was replaced, it wasn’t replaced, just covered by the new ceiling.  The fire hazard was still there but not visible.

This fire shows us that we must be diligent in inspecting the projects in our jurisdiction.  If inspectors had noticed the old ceiling being covered instead of removed, this might not have happen.  This is one reason permits and inspections are so important. Learn the lessons from the past by reading and studying them, not by reliving them.  Stay safe.
Posted by on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fires, rescues • Tagged: , , ,

More PIV’s

No comments

These PIVs are on the same property.  There is only one system in the building but there are two PIVS and two hydrants.

The owner cannot tell us if the building had different systems. My suspicion is that one building is older, which we know, and had a separate system.  The other system was built later and added on to.  We do know that both are open and they get tested annually for inspection.

However, be aware of these on other properties. It very well may mean that there are two systems at work.

You need to make sure which on is which and that they are both OPEN.  Just a note, the FDC you see in the first picture is the only one on site. There is not an FDC at the the other PIV and hydrant and as you can see, the other PIV is behind a fence along with the hydrant that is near it. Have a great day.

Posted by on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, firefighting-operations, training-development • Tagged: , ,

Remember the PIV?

No comments

Remember when doing inspections to check out the fire department connection.  We all do that pretty well for the most part, making sure that nothing is blocking it and noting where it is for tactical reasons.  However, I have seen crews miss checking the Post Indicator Valve when checking the FDC/Sprinkler System. It is just as important.

The biggest reason this is missed is because they are usually a little ways from the building and are not right next to the FDC, but it they are not checked and are SHUT, it could have grave circumstances if there is a fire.

These PIV control the water to the system. They should always be open and the window on the PIV will read OPEN or SHUT.  Look around, usually these are on large industrial complexes and some high rise buildings.

Posted by on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Woe the Shopping Carts

No comments

With the holidays over, so to speak, the big sales days are upon us now.  You might want to check on your big stores to make sure things are in order.

As we can see here, the shopping carts have taken precedent over the people inside for access to the exit.  This happens a great deal at these stores.

Most of the time the manager has no clue that this is happening and when told is pretty quick to remedy the problem.  Don’t leave it this way, mention it and get it taken care of.  As we say in the last post, watch the back and sides of the building for extra storage containers blocking exterior exit doors.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 28, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , ,

Inspections

No comments

As you can see, this is a huge obstacle for those wanting to get out of that door.  I have had companies do inspections and when I asked about the exterior, especially the rear of the building, I would get blank stares.

It is important to check out the exterior in particular where the exit discharge is.  These areas should be level, lit and clear of obstacles.

An engine company could inpsect the interior of this building and never notice this unless they do a 360 of the building.  This is another time when your tactics are the same for fire suppression as they are for prevention.  As I have said before, inspections and prevention are the first steps to situational awareness.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 27, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,