The Effects of Fire on TJIS Parker Basement Fire November 13 th, 2007

Silent Floor or Silent Killer?

Basement Similar to Parker Call

Call Details Units were dispatched to a possible residential structure fire. Units were dispatched to a possible residential structure fire. First arriving unit (S74) reports light smoke from the structure coming from the basement. First arriving unit (S74) reports light smoke from the structure coming from the basement. First hoseline enters through the first floor front door and reports heavy fire on the first floor. First hoseline enters through the first floor front door and reports heavy fire on the first floor. Crews on hoseline report a possible floor collapse with the floor feeling spongy. Crews on hoseline report a possible floor collapse with the floor feeling spongy.

Call Details 2 nd hoseline enters through the basement with heavy yellowish-grey smoke and no visible fire. 2 nd hoseline enters through the basement with heavy yellowish-grey smoke and no visible fire. Imager shows a heat signature in the B/C corner of the basement. Imager shows a heat signature in the B/C corner of the basement. Caution tape used to tape off the kitchen and family room area due to the floor condition. Caution tape used to tape off the kitchen and family room area due to the floor condition. Once the fire is extinguished the basement is again checked and the TJIs looked like this. Once the fire is extinguished the basement is again checked and the TJIs looked like this.

TJI Damage

Warped I-Beam

Notice the TJIs are Starting to Collapse

Area Below the Kitchen

Silent Killer?

Family Room Without Significant Signs of Damage

Things to Think About The first crew in reported limited visibility on the first floor. Had they proceeded further into the family room the potential for a catastrophic collapse was huge. The first crew in reported limited visibility on the first floor. Had they proceeded further into the family room the potential for a catastrophic collapse was huge. Do not take the stability of floors for granted. The floor in the family room had no significant signs of damage. Do not take the stability of floors for granted. The floor in the family room had no significant signs of damage. Limit access to area under and over the affected TJIs. Limit access to area under and over the affected TJIs.

Things to Think About Use caution tape to secure the area and prevent anyone from going near. Use caution tape to secure the area and prevent anyone from going near. Limit salvage and overhaul activities around the area. Overzealous overhaul can be the catalyst for collapse in these situations. Limit salvage and overhaul activities around the area. Overzealous overhaul can be the catalyst for collapse in these situations.

Final Thought This fire began in the basement and spread to the first floor by the cold air return vent. This fire began in the basement and spread to the first floor by the cold air return vent. Initially this looked like a fire on the first floor only. Once a 360 was done it was determined to be in the basement. Initially this looked like a fire on the first floor only. Once a 360 was done it was determined to be in the basement. The heavy fire on the first floor was due to the 2 sofas next to the cold air return catching on fire and making it appear as a family room fire only. The heavy fire on the first floor was due to the 2 sofas next to the cold air return catching on fire and making it appear as a family room fire only.