Greg Havel discusses how well-insulated and infiltration-resistant construction affects structure fires and can impact firefighter safety at incidents in well-insulated buildings.
Finished basements may not be up to code and can present hazards to both occupants and firefighters responding to emergency incidents at these structures. Gregory Havel talks about things to look for in these remodeling situations.
Concealed spaces can allow unseen fire spread throughout a structure. Gregory Havel describes the nature of these spaces and how they may impact firefighting operations.
The chemicals used in pressure-treating lumber, including fire-retardant chemicals, are corrosive to bare steel and could weakend joist hangers, potentially leading to collapse during fire incidents, Gregory Havel writes.
In both residential and commercial construction, not all stairways are created equal. Gregory Havel takes a look at potential firefighting hazards on residential stairways.
Fire-rated door and frame assemblies were developed to close openings in fire-rated walls. Gregory Havel reviews these devices and the hazards they may pose for fire operations.
For National Fire Prevention Week, Gregory Havel takes a look at an incident in which the fire service had to deal with a massive situation far beyond its normal scope: The Texas City Disaster of 1947.
Not all walls are well-suited for entry or exit through breached openings. Gregory Havel takes a look at types of walls that should make you think twice about using forcible entry.
Plastic natural gas pipes are being found more often inside structures. Gregory Havel takes a closer look at this facet of modern building construction.