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Trip to the Hardware Store

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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: , , , , , , ,

Who Can Say “Pack Rat”?

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Fire codes, ehhh, who needs them?
Fire codes, ehhh, who needs them?

This is an interesting picture. How many inspections have you been on where a room was so full of stuff that you couldn’t get in to look around.

That may be what happened here.  A hoarder comes to mind too.

I also like that “everybody” wants to see what is going on. I can just see this fire getting going and starting to work it’s way out of that room with smoke and gases filling that corridor.

This is an extreme example of why we need to do inspections and enforce fire codes, but it is a good illustration of how bad it could get if we don’t do our job in regards to prevention.

Stay safe and be careful. Stay warm too, it’s a balmy -1 this morning in Missouri.

Posted by on January 9, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, inspections • Tagged: , , , , ,

Is It Real? Or Is It Something Worse?

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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

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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: , , , , ,

Obstructed FDC

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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: , , , , ,

More Than Just Floors

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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

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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

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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: , , , ,

Exit Access

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Could this be bad?

Could this be bad?

If a large group of people were using the stairs to exit this building, this cart would no doubt have a profound affect on their ability to escape. This would easily cause bodies to be stacked up on each other and the numbers injured and killed would likely be from crush injuries and not smoke or flame.

It is important to look not only at the exit doors, but where they lead to. These paths of egress may join other egress corridors or discharges that are not the primary egress path of travel. Be particular and stubborn with these exit accesses, it could be all the difference in the world. Stay safe and warm, it’s cold in Missouri today.

Posted by on January 1, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Roosevelt Hotel Fire 1963

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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: , , ,

Remember the PIV?

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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

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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

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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: , , , , ,

Tragedy 85 Years Ago

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On this day in 1924, children and their parents were gathered in the Babbs Switch School for a visit from Santa Clause. It would end up being a tragic Christmas story and a reason for inspections and codes.  The school had been recently painted with terpintine used for paint thinner.  After windstorms had damaged the building, it was restored and repaired and metal mesh was placed over the windows to protect them.

The program and gathering took place in a small building of approximately 1200 square feet and people were standing against the walls and in the aisles.  Santa started to hand out presents from under the tree which had lit candles on it for decoration.  Santa’s suit had cotton trim on it and was lit after bumping into the tree and lit candles.

A panic started and the tree was knocked over, which was a real tree, and the fire grew quickly.  As people attempted to exit, many were not able to escape because the door opened to the inside instead of out.  This allowed only one side of the building to easisly exit, trapping those on the other side of the room.   A total of 36 people died from the fire and many others injured from burns.

This is another reminder of where fire and building codes have come and that we must monitor and inspect these occupancies to ensure that all safety requirements are met.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 24, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, firefighting-operations, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

More On Engineered Lumber

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc-IZhpIYwk]

I know this is older but is worth mentioning and showing again. Be careful out there and take time to look for basements.  Stay safe.

Posted by on December 23, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, line-of-duty, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Know Your Buildings

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIyZx8uIMh0]

Here is an older, but good reporting video from Dave Statter on building construction and how it affects our efforts. Stay safe.

Posted by on December 23, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

India School Fire in 1995 Killed Over 500

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On this day in 1995, over 500 people were killed during a school ceremony in Dabwali, Haryana India. There were entire families and mostly children that were killed that day.

The school had set up a large tent/membrane structure for a special event for the school.  It is believe that a short circuit in some wiring could have started the fire.

The large loss of life was primarily due to the stampede created from the panic from the rapidly spreading fire. It was reported that there were over 1200 people in the tent at the time of the fire.  This could happen here to any jurisdiction. Inspections need to be done on these events and temporary structures to ensure proper wiring and adequate exits.  Stay safe and diligent.

Posted by on December 23, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Tis the Season for Candles

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I know I have just about beat this to death, but I attended two Christmas plays and a wedding in the past week and was glad to see that there were no candles in the aisles at any of them.  This time of year we see an increased use in candles in places of worship and we need ensure that the attendees are safe. Just remember that these aisles are used as exit aisles.  Don’t be afraid to confront this issue with some common sense.  Stay safe and be careful.
Posted by on December 21, 2009 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Ladder Placement

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This is a good working fire and I can see mutliple hose lines going into the structure. It is unfortunate that it is a fire that is ruining someone’s Christmas. With that being said, it is good to see some ladders on this structure since it appears there are crews upstairs.

To the left of the picture I can see a ladder on the porch and another one on the “D” side next to the third story window. Now, there are a couple things that I would like to point out. First, as a first arriving company officer, you have to take a walk around this building. Look for building characteristics, fire and smoke conditions and the possibility of victims hanging out rear windows on upper floors.

Second, look at the ladder on side “D”, could we have placed it in a better location? Not being there, I don’t know what there plans were, but the ladder may be better served for crews inside by being placed just below the sill of the top floor window. This would better allow crews to exit safely and quickly onto the ladder if conditions change and it will assist in the lowering of a victim if one is found.

Remember, if the ladder tip is too far into the window space, it takes up room that could be used by a firefighter to exit. Keep that tip below the sill giving all of the window space to the crews inside.  Stay safe and train hard.

Posted by on December 18, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, rescues, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

LODD FDNY 1998 On This Day

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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

Posted by on December 18, 2009 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, in-the-line-of-duty, line-of-duty • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Combustible Liquids

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This is a repair shop that is not sprinklered, it was built prior to the code, and that also does fabricating.  They have added on without permits for several years and now is a dangerous place to be.  They have taken some measures to meet the inspection requirements, but, as you can see, there are still a number of hazards present.

These drums contain parts cleaners, oil and automotive fluids.  It is required to meet code requirements for quantities of flammable and combustible liquids and how they are stored. In addition, with the fabricating they use welders that can obviously cause an ignition of vapors.  Ensure that “hot” operations are an appropriate distance from the storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids.  Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on December 18, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Special Events, Watch for Them

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On this day in 1961, not that long ago, a circus tent caught fire in Niterói, Brazil.  The fire killed 323 people including many children. It is suspected that a disgruntled worker set the fire, but that has been disputed by some. It is another example why we have codes and permits for these special events.
We all like the circus and many do charity events that help the community, but we have to make sure our citizens are protected while at these events. Ask for information on the material used for the tent to see if it is fire retardent. Identify that there are enough exits, exit lights and emergency lighting and make sure the occupant load is complied with.  Don’t look at these membrane structures as a passing through event that doesn’t need inspected. Be aware and diligent.  Keep your community safe and keep yourself safe, inspect these places.
Posted by on December 17, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, fires, historic fires, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

More Candles

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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.
I don’t see sprinklers on the ceiling, although they could be there, but someone could be badly burned before a spinkler head would activate.  Just check these things out and follow your local codes. Education is the best tool in combating this issue.  Stay safe and be diligent.
Posted by on December 17, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, firefighter holidays, firefighter-safety-health, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

Walking on Fire

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Okay, does this cause panic in anybody else? What I see here is some very bad decision making. Most codes would not allow this.

First, the hanging streamers I’m sure are not class A finishes. Second, the candles are all in the aisles which are part of the means of egress.

You have to really watch this in churches and places that have weddings and similar events. This time of year candles are ablaze for Christmas and other holidays and they are very often placed in the aisles and corridors.  We met with the local churches and have disallowed this practice for many years now.

Each jurisdiction can make their own decision, but putting open flames in places of assembly and in the exit acces aisles is pushing your luck and typically against the fire code.  A practice that we started some years back was performing our fire inspection for churches in December to try and eliminate these situations.

In addition, many of these occupancies will have holiday events that bring an abnormally high occupant load. We have witnessed folding chairs placed in aisles, completely blocking some egress aisles altogether along with over crowding. If this is the case, suggest multiple shows or events, which is what one church has done.  This time of year can be tricky and dangerous. Stay diligent and keep your people safe.

Posted by on December 16, 2009 • Filed under: christmas, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter holidays • Tagged: , , , , ,

Engineered I-Joists: Be Aware of Your Buildings

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWMhA2wDTes]

Some of you may have seen this video, but is worth looking at again and showing it to your firefighters, officers and building officials.  Take time to look at your subdivisions and know the dangers. Stay safe.

Posted by on December 15, 2009 • Filed under: engineered lumber, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, i joists, line-of-duty, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,