Using the “Reading A Building” series to analyze different types of buildings, look at the following pictures, then briefly describe what you see that you feel would be an important fireground consideration, either from a negative or positive viewpoint. Make sure you have the “Reading A Building” series handy so you can refer to a more comprehensive explanation of the various factors we will discuss for each building. The “Reading A Building” archive can be found HERE.
BUILDING #1
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Notice the following items of interest:
- Construction: This building appears to be of a newer style of construction, so odds are that it is lightweight construction. Being familiar with your district should simplify this decision. If you plan for lightweight construction (minimal fireground time) and you are right, the odds are in your favor. However, if you plan for conventional construction and it is not, the odds are in the favor of the fire.
- Style: This is a modular (using the terminology from this series) type of structure. This means this building (or module) has multiple occupancies within the structure. Because stairs are visible, there are four occupancies within this structure. If stairs were not present, then there would be two occupancies within this structure (and the two occupancies would be two stories). Plan on the attic being a “common attic” or “common cockloft.”
- Access-Egress: There is good access to the grade floor occupancies, and a patio and stairs for the second floor occupancies (or multiple access-egress openings for the floors above grade level).
- Roof: Probable lightweight truss gable construction with a common attic.
- Utilities: Would be expected to be of a light configuration. Notice the four electrical meters on the side, and the national color markings in the street showing the location of underground utilities.
- Miscellaneous: Did you notice the generous access around the complete structure? Additionally, the presence or absence of vehicles in the parking lot is a good indicator of the expected occupant load.
BUILDING #2
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Notice the following items of interest:
- Name: Fairfield Inn and Suites. This is a multi-residential structure.
- Type of Structure: This is a center hallway structure. The hallway runs down the middle of the building with residential units on either side of the hallway. As we have previously discussed, if fire and its by-products extend into a center hallway, you will not have a good day.
- Roof: Probable lightweight truss construction, gable configuration, and a common attic (what else would you expect?).
- Access – Egress: From the lobby, you will likely only be able to access the upper floors via the elevator. The stairs are located at the ends of the building (in these newer versions).
- Construction: Lightweight construction throughout the structure.
- Utilities: Moderate.
- Miscellaneous: The presence of vehicles in the parking lot is an excellent indicator of the potential occupant load, and will significantly vary depending on the time of day. Additionally, this is a three story structure, and there appears to be an attic vent under the left side eave (which can be an excellent indicator of fire in an attic).
John W. Mittendorf joined the Los Angeles City (CA) Fire Department (LAFD) in 1963, rising to the rank of captain II, task force commander. In 1981, he was promoted to battalion chief and in the year following became the commander of the In-Service Training Section. In 1993, he retired from LAFD after 30 years of service. Mittendorf has been a member of the National Fire Protection Research Foundation on Engineered Lightweight Construction Technical Advisory Committee. He has provided training programs for the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland; the University of California at Los Angeles; and the British Fire Academy at Morton-in-Marsh, England. He is a member of the editorial advisory board of Fire Engineering and author of the books Truck Company Operations (Fire Engineering, 1998) and Facing the Promotional Interview (Fire Engineering, 2003).
