The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Reported Fire, House Under Construction
You're responding to a report of fire in a house under construction.
You arrive and find you have an active fire.... wind conditions are mild,cool and dry.
What must you do within the next five- ten minutes?
What are the strategic and tactical concerns facing fires in buildings under construction?
I'll post some additonal photos once we get some responses and dialog...now get to work and get that water supply line layed...
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Joe Stoltz on
-
The first thing I would do is ascertain that all workers are out of the structure. Then I would do a 360 to assess any exposures or other hazards in close proximity to the involved structure. A better look at the involved area from the other side would tell if the fire is on the roof, or through it.
Depending on the phase of construction, this house may or may not have the sheetrock or drywall installed. If not, the fire is likely consuming the second floor wall studs, ceiling joists and roofing members, and it's a matter of minutes before the whole mess comes tumbling down.
If I decided on an interior attack, stretching hose around the temporary overhang supports would be tricky. I'd have to assign a member to keep the hose away from those.
There are likely no utilities installed in this house, either so I'd be very interested in knowing how the fire started in the first place. -
-
Permalink Reply by Jay Lowry on
-
1. 360 degree size up
2. Talk to job foreman to ascertain if anyone is inside.
3. Put initial crews to work on the C/D side of the structure. The slope of the ground might lead down to a neigboring street so my second alarm would provide at least one engine and ladder down there.
4. Advise all units to avoid the area on the Alpha side (noting the porch is being held up by temporary shoring) and all else being equal call for a defensive attack.
5. Ladder the building IN CASE.
Notes:
The house will be significantly damaged. There are openings with respect to windows, void spaces not filled in and other hazards associated with a structure under construction.
Stub outs will prove to be tripping hazards to firefighters as they move around the exterior and there's also the possibility of a swimming pool or large hole in the rear which wouldn't likely have fencing around at this point.
Hydrants should be in place and operational but one never knows with new construction. Workers may have damaged the hydrant. -
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
