Energy Conservation To Cause More Fires
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The Editor’s Opinion Page
It may seem hard to believe but among the many proposals put forth on energy conservation there are some that can add to a fire fighter’s woes and work. According to a report put out by the New York Board of Fire Underwriters, which is studying the impact of energy conservation measures, “it can be pretty well predicted that there are going to be more fires and property losses because of this (energy) program.”
The report was aimed at underwriters out in the field, but it is equally important for the fire service in its fire prevention and fire prevention education programs.
It seems that insulation, which is now such a hot item in the national press, can conserve energy (heat) in a building to such a degree that the building can catch fire. The board’s report notes that in a fire test of a two-hour rated roof, insulation applied above the supporting steelwork was so efficient that it prevented normal heat loss to the outside and caused the steelwork to fail. The report also states that “under no circumstances should exposed foam plastics be allowed in any building.” And that “the most severe hazard (associated with energy conservation) will be the use of combustible insulation.”
Even solar heating systems, which offer such high hopes for energy conservation, bring problems to the fire service. Tests made of flat solar collectors under stagnant conditions (no heat transfer of liquid passing through the unit) showed that temperatures of 350 to 400 degrees could be attained. Where wood or combustible insulation is used, the possibility of fire is great.
Then there is an anticipated rise in the use of supplemental heating units such as fireplaces and potbelly stoves. Improper clearance between the unit and combustible material is a problem here. Plus the fact that they will be used by a whole new generation who have had no experience with such equipment. There will no doubt be a return of ashes being carried out in cardboard boxes.
Fire is not the only hazard that insulation provides, the report states. Insulation can be so efficient that snow on a roof can collect in such quantities that the roof can collapse.
There are other items in the report too numerous to mention here, plus a report on the insulation for electrical components and the hazards engendered. Both reports will appear in the next issue of Fire Engineering.
In the meantime, fire prevention inspectors and educators had better be alert to the fire hazards associated with energy conservation.
