0. Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition
Chapter 4 — Building Construction
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1. 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.
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2. 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)
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3. 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)
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4. 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.
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5. 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
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6. Masonry Minimally affected by fire, exposure to high temperatures
May crack by rapid cooling
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7. Cast Iron Stands up well to fire and intense heat
May crack or shatter when rapidly cooled with water
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8. 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
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9. Reinforced Concrete Performs well under fire conditions
Can lose strength through spalling; cracking, spalling indicates damage has occurred
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10. Gypsum High water content; absorbs a great deal of heat
Excellent heat-resistant, fire-retardant properties
Breaks down gradually under fire conditions
(Continued)
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11. Gypsum
Where gypsum fails, structural members behind are subjected to higher temperatures and are more likely to fail.
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12. Glass Not an effective barrier to fire extension
If heated, may crack and shatter when struck by cold water
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13. Fiberglass Not a significant fuel
Materials used to bind may be combustible and difficult to extinguish
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14. Items to Observe During Size Up
Age of building
Construction materials
Roof type
Renovations or modifications
Dead loads
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15. Conditions Contributing to Spread/Intensity of Fire
Fire load
Combustible furnishings, finishes
Roof coverings
Wooden floors, ceilings
Large, open spaces
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16. Conditions Making Building Susceptible to Collapse
Types of construction
Age
Exposure to weather
Length of time a fire burns
Fire fighting operations
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17. Indicators of Building Collapse
Cracks or separations
Evidence of existing structural instability
Loose bricks, blocks, stones falling
Deteriorated mortar
Leaning walls
(Continued)
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18. Indicators of Building Collapse
Distorted structural members
Fires beneath floors supporting extreme weight loads
Prolonged fire exposure to structural members
(Continued)
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19. Indicators of Building Collapse
Unusual creaks, cracking noises
Structural members pulling away from walls
Excessive weight of building contents
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20. Actions When Imminent Building Collapse Suspected
Exit building
Inform Command
Clear collapse zone
Know/heed evacuation, other emergency signals
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21. Risks in Buildings Under Construction
Protective features not in place
Lack of doors/barriers contribute to rapid fire growth
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22. Risks in Abandoned Buildings/ Buildings Under Demolition
Breached walls
Open stairwells
Missing doors
Deactivated fire protection systems
Potential for sudden building collapse
Arson
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23. 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
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24. 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)
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25. 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)
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26. 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.
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27. 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)
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28. Review Questions
4. What hazardous situations may arise from renovated buildings?
5. Why are buildings under construction a hazard?
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