BY FRANCIS L. BRANNIGAN,SFPE (FELLOW)
Editor’s note: For further reference, consult Building Construction for the Fire Service, Third Edition (BCFS3). Page numbers, where applicable, are included after the caption.
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Look at buildings under construction. This bearing wall between commercial occupancies in a strip mall will not impede a fire unless the space between the bar joists is completely closed up with masonry. Even the heat might cause the bar joists to distort and provide an opening. In some cases, too much attention is given to the fire occupancy, and units are not deployed to cover extension until it is happening. In a building like this, ceilings should be opened, and charged lines should be standing ready on both sides of the fire unit as quickly as possible. (BCFS3, 199)
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This is the best way to provide a real barrier to fire extension. It was developed by Howard Summers, SFPE, when he was Virginia state fire marshal. The parapeted fire walls are unpierced. Note the utility trenches. All utilities are run outside the building and enter each fire-separated unit individually. (BCFS3, 233-235)
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Row frame buildings usually have a common cockloft. Fire barriers between units, if they exist at all, are usually deficient. (BCFS3, 126-128)
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Most firefighters are aware of the conflagration potential of wood shingle roofs. This photo of the underside of a roof shows just how flimsy this type of roof is. Be patient; this roof will soon self-vent. (BCFS3, 124)
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Members of trusses built in the field are often connected by plywood plates. The plates have burned off and caused a collapse. Which is better, plywood or steel gusset plates? The answer is, “Neither.” (BCFS3, Chapter 12)
FRANCIS L. BRANNIGAN, SFPE (Fellow), recipient of Fire Engineering’s first Lifetime Achievement Award, has devoted more than half of his 59-year career to the safety of firefighters in building fires. He is well known for his lectures and videotapes and as the author of Building Construction for the Fire Service, Third Edition (National Fire Protection Association, 1992). Brannigan is an editorial advisory board member of Fire Engineering.
