Building construction and Gear Modern Vs. Past Building construction and Gear

Building Contents Firefighters in the past didn’t face the challenges that firefighters face today. Building contents from the 1900’s have changed greatly from what is used today. Flashover is reached eight times faster in modern homes compared to legacy homes. This is vital information when attacking fires and how it has changed a lot in the last thirty years. This also effects firefighting tactics if flashover occurs eight times faster firefighters will have to respond quicker.

Factors affecting fire rate size geometry Contents Building materials

Comparing Materials Interior Doors Wall Linings Plastic and Lath Construction Material Legacy Modern Wall Linings Plastic and Lath Gypsum Board Structural Components Old growth lumber Wood trusses Windows Wood Framed Vinyl framed Interior Doors Solid core Composite hollow core

Building Size Homes today have increased in size from homes made before 1980. More homes have two or more stories. The larger homes have more air which means it will sustain stronger fire activity. The larger the home has more potential for larger fires. In addition fire services haven’t grow to combat larger fires in these suburban areas. Two story buildings also allow for more volume above the fire and gives more time for the fire to grow.

Geometry Newer homes have higher ceilings, open floor plans, and large living rooms. These features contribute to smoke and fire spread, and add volume and fuels for the fire to burn. Commercial buildings require compartmentalization where they have to compartments to limit fire spread. Combing of rooms with archways instead of doors allow fire to spread.

Contents Increased use of more flammable synthetic materials has contributed to fire spread. Increased quantity of combustible materials. Modern homes have synthetic materials instead of natural. Polyurethane has replaced many natural materials such as cotton in all couches produced today. Most floors in the legacy homes have more carpet and wallpaper which catches fire easily.

Legacy vs. Modern (exterior)

Legacy vs. Modern (Interior)

Legacy vs. Modern

P.P.E. Modern vs. Past

Helmets Original fire helmet was made from leather with long brims that curled to prevent water running down their necks. In early 1900’s aluminum helmets came into use but conducted heat so weren’t practical. Modern Helmets are now made of plastic and composite materials. They are designed to protect against heat and impacts.

Turnout Jackets and Pants Original fire fighting turnout jackets were long trench coats made of leather and a wool or felt liner for staying warm in the winter. Those liners in the original jackets then turned into the thermal layers developed into what we have today. Are jackets are made of fire resistant fabrics such as Nomex,Kevlar or polybenzimidazole (PBI). NFPA 1971 Standard. NFPA standards are the regulations on fire equipment which state their need to be moisture, thermal and outer layers in turn out gear. Leather pants were also worn. Modern pants are made from the same three layer materials as the jackets

Jackets Modern Legacy

SCBA A self contained breathing apparatus is used for (IdLH) immediately dangerous to life or health. Firefighters use SCBA to enter building and prevent smoke Inhalation. SCBA is made up of three pieces the pack, air cylinder and mask. There are composite and steel cylinders which hold 4500 for composite and 2116 for steel cylinders. All components of SCBA are tested regularly. Pass devices sense when a firefighter stops moving and sounds an alarm. The first SCBA was made in 1863. NFPA 1981 made it mandatory for SCBA. Before the NFPA standard, SCBA’s were only recommended.

How its made (SCBA)