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Get Around

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Here are some more pictures from my A Shift buddies, Jim, Bob and Dave at Florissant Valley Fire Protection District.  These photos show the challenges of just getting into some of our buildings.  It's a lot easier to get a good look at the working mechanisms and traits of these obstacles during daylight and in non-emergent situations.

Take time to know what is behind these doors and grates.  What are they protecting and how secure are they? Is just a matter of prying bolts out of the brick and concrete or are they really seated into the building?  Now is the time to find out.

One note, the pic with the bars is actually a smoking lounge for an adjacent bar. Access is made from inside the building but it looks like a different occupancy.  Don't wait until it's smokey and dark.

Read the doors and try to identify characteristics that can indicate foricible entry challenges.  Do the doors swing out or in? Are the hinges exposed or protected? Is the jamb protected?

These are also important for RIT operations, to read the building and soften it up for interior crews if a company has not already done so.

Stay alert and get out and look around. You'll be surprised what you'll find.

Posted by on March 7, 2012 • Filed under: buildling construction, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, forcible entry, inspections, mayday, rescues, RIT, self rescue, situational awareness, size up, Training, training-development, Uncategorized, VES • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Standpipe Crowding

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We have discussed standpipes in the past, but I think it is worth mentioning again. Standpipes in large and high rise buildings are our water source. It is important to know the location of these devices and to ensure that they are not obstructed.

In addition we need to know and understand if they have pressure reducing devices and how that affects our operations.  Study up on these systems and know how to adapt and trouble shoot the stand pipes in your area.

The picture shown is a stand pipe in a hotel. I went to ice in the hotel I was staying in and this was right next to the ice machine.  I didn't measure it, but this standpipe would be very difficult to connect to. Additionally, if we did get connected with hose only, there would certainly be a kink at the coupling, further reducing our pressure.  

This might be a time when we would try to put an elbow on the connection prior to connecting our hose.  However, I think that with this particular standpipe connection, it would be a stretch just to get the elbow connected as well.

Know your buildings and their systems. Prepare for these types of problems and come up with solutions before you have a fire. Thanks for reading and train hard.

Jason

Posted by on June 19, 2011 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, high rise, inspections, situational awareness, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Type III Construction

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Lately we have been discussing different types of construction. So far we have covered the characterisitics of Type I and Type II construction.  This is some really basic rookie school stuff, but it is so important to be able to identify these different building charaecteristics. We know that fire behavior is directly linked to the type of construction and the fuels invovled.  It also plays a major role in determining our tactics as company officers and firefighters on the fireground.

So, a quick review of what we have covered so far:

Type I or Fire Resistive is protected, non-combustible construction. Typcially steel and concrete with it’s structural components protected with fire resistant materials to meet or exceed two hour fire ratings.

Type II or Non Combustible is just that, non combustible construction. It’s structural components are not protected by fire resistive materials, but can be sprinklered.  These too are usually built with steel and concrete, similar to Type I construction but without the fire resistant protection.

On to Type III construction.  Type III construction is also referred to as Ordinary construction and is very common in a great deal of our older downtown areas.  It is not limited to those areas but this was the primary method of building during the early and middle part of the 20th century.

This type of construction is identified by masonry or brick exterior walls with wood joists and interior structural components.  Type III construction is very rarely protected with sprinklers and they have concealed spaces.  These buildings in many communities have been remodeled and altered due to the age and use of the building, so concealed spaces are a real concern.

During a fire the interior structural components are attacked and failure of these components can cause an exterior wall to fail at the same time.  The joists, for example, will rest in the masonry or brick wall and may be used to support the exterior walls. When these joists fail or burn out, they can compromise the support of the exterior wall it is connected to.

Here are some pictures that show some Type III construction.

Take a look at your area and determine where your different types of construction are. Discuss and plan for fires at those buldings and how you would operate at each one.  What are some different challenges each pose for you as a firefighter or company officer operationally?

Train hard and remember, master the basics.

Posted by on January 27, 2011 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire sprinklers, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, inspections, situational awareness, size up, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Get the Whole Picture

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This is just a reminder to get the whole picture when doing inspections and pre-plans.  Just don’t get lazy when doing these prevention functions.  Especially on larger buildings that require some effort to get around.

Recently I did an inspection at a local nursing home.  It had been awhile since I had been there because we have the crews do most of these inspections.  There were some things I had forgotten about and had I not taken some extra time, would have missed.

As I walked out the back of the building this is what I saw.  Unremarkable, really.  However, to the right is the drive that leads from the front of the building.

Apparatus coming to the rear would get a view similar to this if they were assigned to the rear.

This second picture is the view from the other corner.  What do you notice?  It is kind of tough to see and unless you are aware and really looking for it, you might miss it. Especially at night or in rain or snow and with smoke conditions.

If you look real hard you will see one end of an 1000 gallon LP tank jutting out from behind the shed.

If you were to walk over there and actually take a look, this is what you would see.

These are two 1ooo gallon LP tanks that are near the rear property lines.  These feed the appliances in the building with the exception of the generator, which has it’s own smaller tank.

But, there are separate shut offs for each line going into the building, but it is not typical.

The lines and shut offs could easily be missed entirely if prior experience with this building is not known.

This is one of the numerous shut offs for the gas lines going into the building.  They are all up high on the building and some are actually on the roof.

It just points out the importance of knowing your buildings, in particular your high life hazard buildings.

Take some extra time to ask the maintenance person a lot of questions, they usually like to show all of the little intricacies of the building.

Be safe and be familiar with your response area.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on November 23, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, firefighting-operations, inspections, situational awareness • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

What’s Behind the Rack?

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Can you identify the problem here?

During a recent visit to one of those large home improvement stores, I noticed this.

Although this is probably not that uncommon, it is something that could be very difficult to find out in a smokey envrionment.

This is another reason for getting familiar with your area and the buildings that you protect.

I was visiting as a patron, so I didn’t look around at the entire store, but I am sure there are other issues that I could have found.

Accessing this stand pipe is almost impossible and these systems aren’t always that reliable and shouldn’t be your sole suppression plan.  They don’t get maintained and are rarely, if ever flushed and tested.

A tight fit!

But, that doesn’t excuse the blocking of this protection system. One way to find these standpipes is to look for their risers. These stores will typically have two of these at each end of the store.

Notice the riser running behind the rack.?

Have a plan for these large area stores. Know the building and it’s systems so that you aren’t caught off guard.

Preplan these buildings. Know what line your going to pull before you arrive and know the different access points for entry. The front door may not be your best option.

Stay diligent and be safe.

Posted by on September 22, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire sprinklers, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, situational awareness, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

A Simple Move

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Exterior of door

Forcible entry is an ongoing skill that must be practiced. A huge part of that is knowing your doors and construction of entry ways.

On a recent inspection we started discussing getting into these locked doors that are pass-coded for the resident’s protection.

As you can see, this is an outward swinging door that should be reasonable easy to force with the right tools and skill.  Of course, in my experiences people aren’t spending as much time as they should practicing forcible entry techniques.

Interior of door

As a crew we started discussing how we would gain entry. One method is very simple and can be done with one tool.

Bust out the window, this one has no wire mesh, and drop the tool down to engage the panic bar.

I know this is very simple, but it can be effective if you only have one tool. You also have to have a good idea about the interior workings of the door.  Showing again the importance of getting familiar with your buildings.

Stay safe and use your time out and about wisely.

Posted by on August 11, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, exits, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, forcible entry, inspections, situational awareness, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , ,

Elevator Operations

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This is a good video on operating a typical elevator. I understand that there are many different types of elevators and different operating methods, but most are very similar to this. You can have different types of keys but the systems should be pretty standard.

Now some of the older elevators can have less options and safety features, so get familiar with the elevators in your jurisdiction. This is something I have seen firefighters struggle with, believe it or not, because they have never had any hands on experience with them.

Get out and use some of these and no how to use them before you have to.

When this pulls up on YouTube, you can subscribe to the creator, dieselducy, and he has additional videos of different elevators. Pretty interesting stuff.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on July 9, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, elevators, fire codes, fire service recall, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Repair Bay Hazards

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Car lifts.

Although we all have these in our areas, we need to occasionally take a look at these occupancies and discuss and prepare for the hazards contained in these buildings.

As we can see in this picture, the car lift is holding a vehicle in the air. We know that when they close, these cars remain elevated.

Most of the time this is not an issue, but when a fire happens or if the area fills with smoke, it can be dangerous for firefighters entering the building.

Floor level hazards.

There are also floor level and pit hazards that need to be identified and planned for.  These should be identified during inspections and pre-planning surveys.

Be aware and stay familiar with your area and the buildings that you will be responding to.

Stay safe and look at these buildings before they burn.

Posted by on June 30, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Painted Sprinkler Heads

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Painted sprinkler heads will not activate.

Painted sprinkler heads will not activate.

Here is one example of why we should have an inspection program that includes  remodels.

I know that many times it is like pulling teeth to get engine companies out to do inspections.  And in some instances, they are too busy to do them.

But, most places have the time.

This type of head is often seen in residential, assisted living and other facilities that have over night occupants.  They may also be seen in some day cares but are not limited to the above mentioned occupancies.

A painted head will not operate as designed and could limit its effectiveness.  The end result could be the inability of the sprinkler system to control the fire and allow occupants to have more time to escape.

This head will need to be replaced.  The contractor or owner must be made aware that this head must be replaced and all other heads that may look the same.

Stay safe and train hard. Do your inspections, they are important.

Posted by on January 31, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , ,

Who Needs Accessible Exits?

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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: , , , , ,

Identifying RTU’s From the Interior

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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: , , , , , , , ,

What’s Above You?

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What's Above You?

What’s Above You?

When entering a commercial building you need to  take into consideration that the roof may be carrying a heavy load.

Although the roof systems are designed to handle the added load under normal conditions, when attached by fire, these roof top units will come crashing down.

The time to find out about what’s on the roof is not during the fire, but during inspections and pre-planning visits.  Get familiar with these buildings before it’s dark and smokey.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

2×4′s for Locks

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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: , , , , , , , ,

Lending a Hand?

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This is not good!
This is not good!

This is when getting out in the neighborhood really pays off.  Sure, someone could notify you about this, but it is so much better when you just stumble across something like this.

I don’t know how this was discovered, but some firefighters thought enough of it to snap some photos.

Getting around and looking at your response area is always a good thing. We have found hydrants out of service that we were not notified about, streets that were closed for repairs and new construction that nobody knew about.

This situation is dangerous without being on fire.  Notify your fire marshal, chief and dispatch center to get these two properties flagged.  It is obvious that the building on the left is in trouble. But, if we have to respond to the sturdy property on the right, the one on the left could still cause us problems.

Be aware and know your response area.  Be careful out there.

Posted by on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire codes, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Long Way Down

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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: , , , , , ,

Fire Stopping Penetrations Part 1

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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: , , , , , , , ,

Who Wired This?

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Wow, where did the panel go?
Wow, where did the panel go?

You never know what you’ll find when on an inspection.  This is an example of some really bad wiring.

These things can get missed if you don’t check all areas of the building.

This is something you may have to require immediate action on.  This is definately an electrical fire waiting to happen.

Check the small spaces and hidden closets, just be brave, you never know what is lurking in there.

Posted by on January 10, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , ,

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: , , , , , , ,

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: , , ,

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: , , , , ,

Kerns Hotel Fire 1934

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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.

Posted by on December 11, 2009 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, historic fires, major-incidents, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,