Video by Ron Roberts/January 27, 2014 at 246 South State Street, Newtown Borough, PA
While every fire incident is a learning opportunity, some bring more learning than others. The goal of the Talkin’ Tactics column is to learn from each fire incident and to consider how modern firefighting tactics may improve effectiveness and efficiency while reducing inherent dangers.
- Best Practices for Tackling Fires in Balloon-Frame Construction
- Balloon Frame vs. Platform Frame Construction
- Firefighters and Construction: Row Frames
- Fighting Fires in Balloon-Frame Construction
Despite well-intentioned efforts of fire crews, a combination of circumstances existed that allowed the fire to control the fireground on what appears, at first glance, to be a manageable fire. As we discuss fundamentals and modern tactical opportunities, remember, much of the modern fire dynamics and tactics findings that were introduced by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) around 2012 were not universally known at the time of this fire.
This fire occurred on January 27, 2014, at 246 South State St. in Newtown Borough, Pennsylvania. The structure was a 2½-story residential balloon-frame dwelling that had been converted into a commercial law office building. Fire reportedly originated in the basement during the winter months. A wind condition was present.
Analysis
All vertical voids begin within the basement. Balloon-frame construction provides open stud bays from the foundation to the eaves line, meaning a fire in the basement or on a floor above can rapidly spread vertically via the stud bays to the attic. Further, the connection points between the studs and joists are open, allowing fire to spread horizontally as well.
When balloon-frame structures are converted, they can turn into chopped up rooming houses or open office spaces or a combination of sorts. Basements can be divided into living and/or storage space areas, and additional void spaces can be created. Knee walls may already exist or may be added as a modification. Transoms and transom windows may be found in some of these structures above interior doors, like bedrooms, offices, or main entry ways. While transoms are a nice architectural design, they can aid in spreading products of combustion.
Balloon-frame structures usually have very narrow windows, but when modified, these windows can be replaced with wider, taller windows that can provide more air if they are ventilated. Also consider the fact that legacy balloon-frame structures were finished and furnished with Class A materials such as solid wood and cotton materials. Today, that same structure is filled with a multitude of synthetic furniture and contents. Modified/converted structures may contain engineered lumber, trusses, and synthetic structural materials and finishes.
Fires in balloon-frame construction are literally a race against time. They can be labor-intensive, requiring multiple hoselines and efficient access to void spaces. In addition, they may be further complicated by wind conditions and water supply issues. Effective communication and coordination are critical on any incident, but especially during fires involving balloon-frame structures. Improper ventilation and timing of ventilation can create rapid deterioration and can lead to trigger events like flashovers, backdrafts, or smoke explosions.
On arrival, at the front of the building we see a moderate gray smoke condition with minor pressure behind it. Smoke escaping from the front door fills about 2/3 of the opening from the top. Dark gray smoke under pressure is evident from the basement on the Bravo side, Alpha quadrant, which is likely where the seat of fire is, and we see evidence of smoke/fire travel along the wood siding in this area. Smoke is also evident on the Charlie side, Bravo quadrant, and seeping from the roof area. I suspect there may be a cellar-style door on the Charlie side. The conditions point to a basement fire, and crews appear to know this at the onset.
Strategic/Tactical Considerations
For a known or unknown life safety circumstance, firefighters must begin in an offensive attack mode whenever possible. Conduct an ongoing 360 size-up with a thermal imaging camera to gain the big picture view and to fully understand what you’ve got and where it’s going. As part of the size-up, you want to rule out fire in the basement as well as identify an alternate entrance to the basement.
A basement fire is best fought from a door leading directly to the basement, preferably at the same level. When this is not possible, consider a transitional attack or indirect attack from a basement window. A solid or straight stream will work best. A fog stream can be highly effective, so long as the compartment is isolated by a closed door. Using a fog stream in an area that is not isolated will entrain air, which can push the products of combustion deeper into the structure and up open stairs and voids.
Since the fire is the source of the problem and has potential to rapidly spread upward—even more so in balloon-frame construction—it’s imperative to get fast water flowing on the fire. This action helps gain control of fire, immediately improves interior conditions, and will speed interior crew efforts to complete extinguishment and search. Start with tank water followed by a sustained water supply to attack the main body of fire in the basement. This can be initiated from the interior or exterior, whichever is fastest. Simultaneously, get additional lines to the attic and each floor above fire to get ahead of fire travel. Once the bulk of fire is knocked down, simultaneous efforts to open up voids, with water support, are imperative.
Fire traveling within balloon-frame voids should cause firefighters to initially focus on the attic, floor above fire, and the spaces in between. When addressing vertical extension, it’s better to first focus on stud bays without windows, as windows will act like fire stops.
Pulling the baseboards on levels above the fire floor and clearing the plaster and lath helps confirm balloon-frame construction, provides a vantage point to check for fire extension within stud bays, and provides an avenue to introduce water on the fire. Pulling exterior wood siding can provide access to stud bays and floor joists bays to check for extension and to attack fire in these voids. Spike nozzles and distributor nozzles can also help in getting ahead of fire extension in void spaces, as can an eaves attack, where possible, to introduce water to the underside of the roof and to get water into stud bays.
Avoid ventilating windows unnecessarily. This provides unlimited air to fire. It may be necessary to vertically ventilate the roof to channel fire extension up and out. However, this should be avoided in situations where asphalt siding is used due to its ability to rapidly spread fire to the roof. Having sufficient water available on the interior and exterior is important.
In the video, we see fire break out on the exterior as well as in the second-floor room in the Alpha quadrant. Anytime firefighters allow fire to continue to burn, the fire is in control and will continue to intensify and spread. Maintain a big picture view and douse fire as soon as it’s evident. Firefighters should not put themselves in a position to chase fire, but rather to cut it off and kill it. Of course, other circumstances can exist that make this easier said than done.
During a basement fire, if the first line goes to protect the interior stair, the crew places themselves above the working fire in a heated environment, on a deteriorating floor assembly, and with hidden fire rapidly spreading around them. Water must first go to the problem, on the fire. Once the fire is under control, most other priority tasks become easier and faster to accomplish, with less inherent danger.
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Balloon-frame construction fires are challenging and require multiple resources. They offer little discretionary time to get ahead of fire. First water should be of sufficient volume to address the source of fire to gain control, which will allow for a speedy primary search and to begin to get ahead of hidden void fire extension to achieve full extinguishment.
NICK J. SALAMEH is a 36-year veteran of the fire service. He was a Fire/Emergency Medical Services Captain II and previous Training Program Manager for the Arlington County (VA) Fire Department, where he served 31 years. He is a former Chair of the Northern Virginia Fire Departments Training Committee. Nick is also a contributor to Fire Engineering and Stop Believing Start Knowing (SBSK).
