Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition Chapter 4 — Building Construction Firefighter II

Chapter 4 Lesson Goal After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to understand the effects of fire on common building materials and be able to identify the indications of imminent building collapse. Firefighter II

Specific Objectives 1. Describe the effects of fire and suppression activities on common building materials. 2. Describe items to be observed during size-up of a building. (Continued) Firefighter II

Specific Objectives 3. Describe dangerous building conditions created by a fire or by actions taken while trying to extinguish a fire. 4. Identify indicators of building collapse. (Continued) Firefighter II

Specific Objectives 5. Describe actions to take when imminent building collapse is suspected. 6. Describe building conditions that create additional risk in construction, renovation, and demolition. Firefighter II

Wood Reaction to fire conditions based on Size of wood Moisture content Reaction to suppression activities Water does not have substantial negative effect Applying water minimizes damage Firefighter II

Masonry Minimally affected by fire, exposure to high temperatures May crack by rapid cooling Firefighter II

Cast Iron Stands up well to fire and intense heat May crack or shatter when rapidly cooled with water Firefighter II

Steel Elongates when heated Fails at temperatures near or above 1,000°F (538°C) Water can cool structural members/stop elongation, reducing risk of structural collapse Firefighter II

Reinforced Concrete Performs well under fire conditions Can lose strength through spalling; cracking, spalling indicates damage has occurred Firefighter II

Gypsum High water content; absorbs a great deal of heat Excellent heat-resistant, fire-retardant properties Breaks down gradually under fire conditions (Continued) Firefighter II

Gypsum Where gypsum fails, structural members behind are subjected to higher temperatures and are more likely to fail. Firefighter II

Glass Not an effective barrier to fire extension If heated, may crack and shatter when struck by cold water Firefighter II

Fiberglass Not a significant fuel Materials used to bind may be combustible and difficult to extinguish Firefighter II

Items to Observe During Size Up Age of building Construction materials Roof type Renovations or modifications Dead loads Firefighter II

Conditions Contributing to Spread/Intensity of Fire Fire load Combustible furnishings, finishes Roof coverings Wooden floors, ceilings Large, open spaces Firefighter II

Conditions Making Building Susceptible to Collapse Types of construction Age Exposure to weather Length of time a fire burns Fire fighting operations Firefighter II

Indicators of Building Collapse Cracks or separations Evidence of existing structural instability Loose bricks, blocks, stones falling Deteriorated mortar Leaning walls (Continued) Firefighter II

Indicators of Building Collapse Distorted structural members Fires beneath floors supporting extreme weight loads Prolonged fire exposure to structural members (Continued) Firefighter II

Indicators of Building Collapse Unusual creaks, cracking noises Structural members pulling away from walls Excessive weight of building contents Firefighter II

Actions When Imminent Building Collapse Suspected Exit building Inform Command Clear collapse zone Know/heed evacuation, other emergency signals Firefighter II

Risks in Buildings Under Construction Protective features not in place Lack of doors/barriers contribute to rapid fire growth Firefighter II

Risks in Abandoned Buildings/ Buildings Under Demolition Breached walls Open stairwells Missing doors Deactivated fire protection systems Potential for sudden building collapse Arson Firefighter II

Risks in Buildings Under Renovation Occupants living in one section while work continues in another Out-of-service/damaged fire detection, alarm systems Blocked exits Local building codes not followed Firefighter II

Summary A failure to recognize the potential dangers of a particular type of construction and the effects that fire may have on it can be catastrophic for firefighters. (Continued) Firefighter II

Summary Knowledge of the various types of building construction and how fires react in each type gives information that is vital to planning a safe and effective fire attack. (Continued) Firefighter II

Summary Firefighters must also know the sights and sounds that indicate the possibility of structural collapse or other extraordinary events during interior fire fighting operations. Firefighter II

Review Questions 1. What items should be observed during size-up of a building? 2. What is fire load? 3. List four indicators of building collapse. (Continued) Firefighter II

Review Questions 4. What hazardous situations may arise from renovated buildings? 5. Why are buildings under construction a hazard? Firefighter II