The UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI) is in search of acquired structures to conduct research burns in as part of the 2015 Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant project the “Study of Coordinated Fire Attack Utilizing Acquired Structures.” UL FSRI recently partnered with the Beavercreek Township (OH) Fire Department (above) to conduct experiments in four single-family homes and are still in need of 2 strip malls and 3 garden apartment buildings.
“Our department has already improved our methods by learning from the studies of UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute. To have UL FSRI come to our township to continue that research is a big honor for Beavercreek Township Fire Department,” said David Young, Battalion Chief, Beavercreek Township Fire Department. “Having the chance to be part of improving firefighter safety through research is an incredible opportunity.”
“Firefighter health and safety is primary to the work that we do. We feel that if firefighters are as smart as they can possibly be, they will be safe, they will be effective, there will be less Line-of-Duty-Deaths, less injuries, and more lives saved around the world,” said Steve Kerber, Director, UL FSRI.
What UL FSRI is looking for:
Garden Style Apartments (Three Buildings)
An apartment building of a minimum of three (3) stories in height, with apartments accessed via a common stairway; typically, the stairway is enclosed. A minimum of twelve (12) units in at at least three (3) buildings, preferably more.
Strip Mall (Two Buildings)
A single story commercial building with multiple storefronts. Looking for a minimum of two (2) buildings with at least four (4) units per building for a total of eight (8) units.
What’s in it for your department?
Fire Departments both in the U.S. and internationally are looking to this project to answer some important tactical questions about the coordination of ventilation and suppression. The departments that help support the project will gain national and international recognition as a leader in the search for the most effective tactical operations based on science. Members of the department will be able to witness first-hand the research burns, furthering their knowledge in fire behavior at the same time interacting with the researchers one-on-one. This will provide invaluable training/experience to the department’s leaders and members, helping them understand why things happen, and allowing them to make more effective choices on the fire ground. We understand this may come with some financial burden and although we may not be able to reimburse all costs, UL FSRI has included money, in the project budget, to help with these costs.
How to participate?
Fill out this google form with your department contact and structure type.
To learn more, visit ULFirefighterSafety.org.
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