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

Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition

Chapter 4 — Building Construction

Firefighter II

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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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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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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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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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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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Masonry

• Minimally affected by fire, exposure to high temperatures

• May crack by rapid cooling

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Cast Iron

• Stands up well to fire and intense heat

• May crack or shatter when rapidly cooled with water

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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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Reinforced Concrete

• Performs well under fire conditions• Can lose strength through spalling;

cracking, spalling indicates damage has occurred

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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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Gypsum

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

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Glass

• Not an effective barrier to fire extension

• If heated, may crack and shatter when struck by cold water

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Fiberglass

• Not a significant fuel• Materials used to bind may be

combustible and difficult to extinguish

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Items to Observe During Size Up

• Age of building• Construction materials• Roof type• Renovations or modifications• Dead loads

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Conditions Contributing to Spread/Intensity of Fire

• Fire load• Combustible furnishings, finishes• Roof coverings• Wooden floors, ceilings• Large, open spaces

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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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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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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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Indicators of Building Collapse

• Unusual creaks, cracking noises• Structural members pulling away

from walls• Excessive weight of building

contents

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Actions When Imminent Building Collapse Suspected

• Exit building• Inform Command• Clear collapse zone• Know/heed evacuation, other

emergency signals

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Risks in Buildings Under Construction

• Protective features not in place• Lack of doors/barriers contribute to

rapid fire growth

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Review Questions

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