This was brought up to me in a disscusion with our Captian:

With the new materials construction is using now, how do they pose a threat to us on a scene? The floor supports that are being used now are made of press board and I think 1 by 2's. My question is, what kind of training are you doing to make your firefighters aware of the risk when entering a home made with these materials?

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Here is a site I found that may offer some general knowledge on engineered lumber http://content.learnshare.com/courses/73/187716/player.html
San bernardino DOES have great training material.

You can also go to the International Conference of Building officials. They don't have fire prevention things but they do have "spec" sheets etc., as do all manufacturers, such as "Truss Joist". You can at least see what your up against. Also....take the 'crew' to a job site, especially in the framing portion of the home and you can see just how they are building in your area.

Lets face it. Construction is a "for profit" business and the manufacturers will cut all the corners they can to make the most profit.

I was amazed at the change in construction materials from the time I strted framing to the time I ended. We almost had to ask.."Wheres the wood"????
Jack what trade are/were you in?

...and they dont know about it past the academy level because we just dont hire "out" of the trades like days gone by...
One of the reasons that I started this is because my husband and I are electricians. We have ben dealing with these engineered materials for a couple of years. My Captain and I were talking about them and she got me thinking about these materials and thier structural integrity under certain conditions. Is it really safe to make entry on these buildings, or are you willing to risk the safety of your firefighters?
question, I hope this doesn't sound dumb, but say the fire was started in an upstairs area, and the fire department decided to use a ladder truck, wouldn't the water cause unseen damage to the first floor I joists? I would think that with press or glu-lam board being involved, it would expand and become spongy faster than soild wood. I am just trying to pick everyone's brains so I have some more info to take to my saftey officer. =)

thanks for everyones input.
You have a great point, people are more worried about how a place looks, and keeping "up with the Jones" instead of whether or not they endanger lives or lose property. I have also encountered some of these "green homes" that have plywood/styrofoam/plywood for walls. Picking your brain again, what is your view? I know they are a pain in the a** to wire. =)
Well, then you definetly know what you are talking about, I know I should have went in as a Seabee instead of an Ordi! =)
Nope, no friggin boat. Got stuck on land. I was Airwing.
Unfortunatley never left US soil. I got stuck in Jacksonville. =)

Did you know that they can't call marines jarheads anymore?
Jars can retain substance, marines brains are incapable =)

no offense to anyone
Thanks for the input. The more I know, the better.
We try and have someone go out to the construction site and see what is being done and how....About 2 years ago 2 Firefighters were lost in Fayetteville NY when they entered a newly constructed home and went through the floor....Lightweight construction ......Stay safe and Keep the Faith.....Paul
Very true, also, especially in our area, you have to fireblock all holes. This would cause the room to be even more airtight. On a good note there is a good possibility to reduce damage to room and contents.
Does anyone else have any input??

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