What characteristics could you expect with this building?

Just about every jurisdiction in the country has a building like this one.

These are popular in the older downtown areas, especially in smaller towns and main streets.

Some of you may have fought a fire or two in a building similar to this one or done an inspection at one.

Based on your past experiences and this picture, what are some concerns you may have about this building?

How will those concerns determine your strategies and tactics?

What size lines and what conditions will you be looking for inside?

List your responses and share your experiences and thoughts.

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On this day, December 18, 1998, 3 FDNY Firefighters  were killed in the Line of Duty at a high rise fire. Lt. Joseph Cavalieri, FF Chris Bopp and FF Jimmy Bohan died on the 10th floor of a labeled ”fireproof” multiple dwelling whose sprinklers had been shut off.

The three firefighters from L170 arrived and had the assignment of searching the fire floor and ascended 10 flights of stairs to rescue the resident in apartment 10-D, who was reported trapped. She escaped previously, but that was not known at the time. When the occupant left she left the apartment door open allowing air to feed the fire.  Although the building and hallways were equipped with sprinklers, they were functional and the fire spread rapidly.  It is believed that a change in wind direction created a wind of approximately 29MPH into the fire apartment and blew a superheated fireball into the hallway, taking the lives of the three FDNY firefighters.

For those of you that have not seen the NIST video on wind driven fires, take some time to watch it. Here is a link to find out more information on the tests done with Chicago FD and FDNY on wind driven fires.

http://www.fire.gov/WDF/index.htm

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On this day in 1964, a nursing in Fountaintown, Indiana caught fire around 3:00AM.  A nurse reportedly saw the fire in the kitchen and hall way and started screaming for everyone to get out.

The first state troopers on the scene stated that the fire moved very fast throughout the first floor and that although there were 10 people upstairs that were ambulatory, they never had a chance to get out.  The fire chief at the time stated that the facility had been carefully inspected, but it is uncertain from media exactly what codes were established for the inspections.  At least 20 people died and others were transported for burns.

Nursing facilities and assisted living facilities have great potential for loss of life from fire for the simple fact that the residents, atlhough maybe mobile, they are slow to react and cannot move with speed.  Under stressful situations they also get easily flustered and confused.  Make sure you inspect these facilities and make sure safety violations are corrected.

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More candles, look at the draped chairs right next to the candles. Again, right in the aisle that will serve as an egress aisle in the event of an emergency.

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Okay, its not really a thread, but it may as well be. These truss systems are popular for overhangs and porches on commercial and residential buildings.  Typically, the top end will sit on a nailed 2×4 or rest on the top of the wall and toenailed into the joist for I-joist.

These are very danagerous and will fail easily under fire conditions.  Always take a look above you before you enter the building of any type.

On another note about these overhangs, canopies and porches; when using search lines, make sure you tie off outside the building which inlcudes these overhangs, canopies and porches. Get outside of these areas and into an open area free from any building components.  As always, stay safe and be careful.

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There is alot of this kind of construction in Western Europe, but it is becoming popular in parts of the U.S. as well.  There obvious concerns for firefighters here.  The load itself, having dirt and grass on the roof system, add water, snow or ice and it is increased even more.  Accessing and staying on a roof like this can be difficult.

We know how slick a dew covered roof can be with asphalt shingles, now put that moisture on grass and it will be tough to get a good footing.  Maybe we can start wearing golf spikes on these types of calls?  What if we had to vent this roof?  Can we do it and how?  What kinds of systems are below this kind or roof?  These are all things to think about.

I will pass on more in coming days and talk about “green” tactics to address these problems.  Until then, take the time to learn about these buildings and how they will affect you in the future.

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On this day in 1942, 100 people lost their lives at the Knights of Columbus Hostel in St. John’s, Newfoundland.  The building was mostly wood construction and had had most of the windows boarded up and barred to meet black-out regulations during the war.

At the time of the fire there were approximately 500 occupants in the building.  Many of these occupants and some of the dead were service men and women of World War II.  It is believed that the fire was sabotage by German Nazis who were suspected of other fires in St. Johns during this same time period.

With wood construction and combustable interior finishes and deocrations, the fire traveled fast and furious throughout the building.  With windows and doors locked, barred and boarded over, escape was difficult at best and in some cases, attempts were futile.  In addition to the 100 that perished, over 100 more were inujured, many badly burned.  Here is a good link for an article as told by a survivor.   http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=88617≻=85

As always, remember the past so that we don’t repeat it.  Train hard and stay safe.

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The Hotel Kerns was built in 1919 and was a brick building that boasted 162 rooms and was a favorite hot spot  noted for its bar and cafeteria.

On Dec. 11, 1934 it would turn tragic when the night janitor for and adjacent business noticed flames on the 2nd floor at around 5 AM.  He immediately reported the fire and stated that when he initially discovered the fire the flames were just licking the windows, but that by the time he called it in the flames had grown rapidly to become a full sheet of fire.  He could here screams of those trapped and being burned. Some occupants were rescued by nets and by firefighters on ladders. Others were not so lucky.  It is believed that a carelessly discarded cigarette caused the fire and the lives of 34 individuals, five of whom have not been identified.

The fact that the companies for that area were only a block away proves just how fast that fire moved and how long it went unnoticed.  Smoke detectors, duct dampers, fire doors and other fire protection systems are used to keep these types of fires from happening again.  When inspecting, don’t take it lightly, make sure these systems are functional and properly installed and tested.  As always, stay safe and be careful.

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This is a typical scene in just about every jurisdiction in America.  The homes are getting bigger while at the same time getting “lighter” in their construction and make-up.  Take the time to go by and look at these buildings while they are being constructed.  Identify the systems being used and the layout of the floor plans.

Most of these have finished basements and are not easily identified from the front of the property.  This is a tinder box that will burn fast and furious if it catches fire.  The light weight systems will fail early.

Doing a complete 360 is imperative and sounding floors must be habit when entering all structures.  Work smart and train like your life depends on it.  Stay safe out there.

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This is a picture of a fast food restaraunt after a fire.  The fire got into the void space and spread very quickly.  Crews were pulled out early and there were no injuries.  The building was a total loss.

The focus of this picture is the fall out of from the ceiling.  As you can see, when these suspended ceilings fall, many opportunities for entanglement fall with them.  A firefighter may not see these hazards because of conditions but are still in danger of being trapped by the fallen materials.

In addition, some of the wires could still be “live” and could energize other conductive materials that have fallen with them.  Be aware and prepared.  This is why you need tools and a radio when entering hazardous conditions.  Stay safe and have a great week.

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