For more information or to order your DVD visit NFPA.org Fire Dog®'s ABCs of Fire Safety DVD
Friday, May 30, 2014
Sparky®'s ABCs of Fire Safety
This exciting new journey of fire safety discovery for little learners features the Sparky the Fire Dog® puppet, who leads kids on a journey into Letterland, a magical world where anything is possible! Using a fun song, Sparky® helps children remember what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. The programs ends with a director's cut of laugh-out-loud bloopers and a short Sparky "Pup Quiz."
For more information or to order your DVD visit NFPA.org Fire Dog®'s ABCs of Fire Safety DVD
For more information or to order your DVD visit NFPA.org Fire Dog®'s ABCs of Fire Safety DVD
Friday, May 2, 2014
The Role of Product Testing & Certification in Fire Protection
Understand the role that product testing and certification play in helping reduce fire and fire hazards and how you can exploit that role to make buildings safer. During the webinar, we will discuss the various types of testing product go through – whether a building product or electrical product - and take a deep dive into understanding the importance of each in fire protection. Attendees will learn how to use and understand the information provided by testing agencies in the test and certification reports.
Upon completion of this presentation, attendees will:
- Understand testing and certification applicable to the fire protection industry
- Recognize the different types of testing utilized on applicable products and the benefits they provide for overall public safety
- Know the actions required to validate product claims and differentiate products
- Understand the knowledge and value third party testing, inspection and certification service providers bring to the building products industry
There is no charge to attend this webinar. Members of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers will receive 0.1 CEUs for participation in the entire live webinar.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Video Flame and Smoke Detection: Benefits and Applications
There is no charge to attend this webinar. Members of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers will receive 0.1 CEUs for participation in the entire live webinar.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Westminster, CO adopts home fire sprinkler requirement
Westminster, CO adopts home fire sprinkler requirement.
The Denver Post reports that fire sprinklers are now required in all new single-family homes built in the City of Westminster, CO.
The new rule went into effect January 1 and applies to new construction only. This city joins numerous other communities throughout the U.S. that require fire sprinklers in all new home construction.
The article quotes Bob Hose, fire marshal for the Westminster Fire Department: “With the addition of residential sprinklers, it allows the property really to be saved before our arrival…It’s safety for the residents and our firefighters.” Hose also said the requirement fits well with the Westminster City Council’s strategic goal to be a safe and secure community. According to the Post, Dave Horras, Westminster’s chief building official, said city officials decided to adopt the rule in keeping with the recommendation of a statewide committee made up of building officials, fire officials, industry representatives and home-builders.
The Denver Post reports that fire sprinklers are now required in all new single-family homes built in the City of Westminster, CO.
The article quotes Bob Hose, fire marshal for the Westminster Fire Department: “With the addition of residential sprinklers, it allows the property really to be saved before our arrival…It’s safety for the residents and our firefighters.” Hose also said the requirement fits well with the Westminster City Council’s strategic goal to be a safe and secure community. According to the Post, Dave Horras, Westminster’s chief building official, said city officials decided to adopt the rule in keeping with the recommendation of a statewide committee made up of building officials, fire officials, industry representatives and home-builders.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Sustainable Design for FPEs
In the 21st century, sustainable building design is an increasingly popular and important client requirement as well as a growing focus for professional engineering firms. For the fire protection engineer, integrating sustainable, or "green," building design aspirations presents the challenge of resolving conflicts between architectural vision and code expectations for fire safety.
At the heart of fire protection engineering is meeting the challenges of clients' innovation. It is often the case that the fire protection engineer contributes to a broad spectrum of building solutions that significantly affect many other members of the design team.
By discussing the challenges that fire protection engineering must overcome to support sustainable building design, this article seeks to embellish on a simple philosophy " that the fire protection engineer's use of performance-based design can both liberate the design team from code restraints, which might other wise hinder the building's sustainability rating, and serve to address the more holistic aspects of true sustainability.
In order to understand the implications of sustainability for fire safety, it is first necessary to understand what is really meant by "sustainable building design."
In the first instance, a sustainable building is the physical end product of a design philosophy to improve the "performance" of the built environment by increasing the efficiency of the resources used in building during its lifecycle: construction, operation and demolition. Such performance is typically measured through a range of international environmental performance-rating systems for buildings.
All of the systems are fairly similar in their approach, with scores for the incorporation of sustainable design under areas such as energy, water, pollution and waste. The higher the total building score the more sustainable the design is considered to be.
In the second instance, a truly sustainable building is also a socially sustainable one; that has a positive social impact on the local environment for the duration of the building's existence. Wider issues such as societal needs, maintenance of heritage, provision of social amenity, accessibility for all and future-proofing of a building so that it continues to be useable for a longer lifespan than a more conventionally designed building can all be considered.
Clients' design aspirations and tenant demands increasingly lean towards the provision of large open floor plates, the incorporation of open atria and the interconnection of spaces and stories. These approaches maximize a building's bright and airy feel of daylight and natural ventilation while being harmonious with the principles of sustainability.
This desire for open planning alone presents the fire protection engineer with a concept design that is at odds with most international building codes that seek to limit large open compartments and the interlinking of floors. Achieving a "good" or "excellent" rating is often required for funding, good corporate governance, or for attracting tenants and premium rental returns; therefore, the design team seeks to achieve quantified reductions in the use of resources such as energy and water. Fire protection engineers, as part of these design teams, must rise to the challenge of contributing to these reductions without significantly compromising the client's aesthetic requirements, or the resulting level of fire safety.
Aside from the client-driven challenges, there are other aspects that relate to sustainability that are likely to become stronger influencing factors for designs of the future - such as the actual population of the buildings.
A global trend towards aging populations and longer working lives means sweeping code assumptions that building occupants are generally mobile are becoming less appropriate. Typically, greater provision is made where, for example, it is known that a building is designed to accommodate a high proportion of wheelchair users.
The issue of obesity, and the challenges it poses to fire safety are perhaps felt most acutely in hospitals and treatment centers.
At the heart of fire protection engineering is meeting the challenges of clients' innovation. It is often the case that the fire protection engineer contributes to a broad spectrum of building solutions that significantly affect many other members of the design team.
By discussing the challenges that fire protection engineering must overcome to support sustainable building design, this article seeks to embellish on a simple philosophy " that the fire protection engineer's use of performance-based design can both liberate the design team from code restraints, which might other wise hinder the building's sustainability rating, and serve to address the more holistic aspects of true sustainability.
In order to understand the implications of sustainability for fire safety, it is first necessary to understand what is really meant by "sustainable building design."
In the first instance, a sustainable building is the physical end product of a design philosophy to improve the "performance" of the built environment by increasing the efficiency of the resources used in building during its lifecycle: construction, operation and demolition. Such performance is typically measured through a range of international environmental performance-rating systems for buildings.
All of the systems are fairly similar in their approach, with scores for the incorporation of sustainable design under areas such as energy, water, pollution and waste. The higher the total building score the more sustainable the design is considered to be.
In the second instance, a truly sustainable building is also a socially sustainable one; that has a positive social impact on the local environment for the duration of the building's existence. Wider issues such as societal needs, maintenance of heritage, provision of social amenity, accessibility for all and future-proofing of a building so that it continues to be useable for a longer lifespan than a more conventionally designed building can all be considered.
Clients' design aspirations and tenant demands increasingly lean towards the provision of large open floor plates, the incorporation of open atria and the interconnection of spaces and stories. These approaches maximize a building's bright and airy feel of daylight and natural ventilation while being harmonious with the principles of sustainability.
This desire for open planning alone presents the fire protection engineer with a concept design that is at odds with most international building codes that seek to limit large open compartments and the interlinking of floors. Achieving a "good" or "excellent" rating is often required for funding, good corporate governance, or for attracting tenants and premium rental returns; therefore, the design team seeks to achieve quantified reductions in the use of resources such as energy and water. Fire protection engineers, as part of these design teams, must rise to the challenge of contributing to these reductions without significantly compromising the client's aesthetic requirements, or the resulting level of fire safety.
Aside from the client-driven challenges, there are other aspects that relate to sustainability that are likely to become stronger influencing factors for designs of the future - such as the actual population of the buildings.
A global trend towards aging populations and longer working lives means sweeping code assumptions that building occupants are generally mobile are becoming less appropriate. Typically, greater provision is made where, for example, it is known that a building is designed to accommodate a high proportion of wheelchair users.
The issue of obesity, and the challenges it poses to fire safety are perhaps felt most acutely in hospitals and treatment centers.
Increasing flexibility and minimizing business loss also improves sustainability. Sprinkler protection of buildings, although using resources, can be seen as inherently improving sustainability both for flexibility and as they reduce the potential size of polluting fires. Residential sprinkler protection, particularly in higher risk occupancies, can be argued to be socially sustainable as they reduce risk of loss to life and property and protect some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Some of this may appear to lead to overly conservative designs and hence not be sustainable; however, if future flexibility can be increased, the lifespan of a building can be increased and hence its sustainability. All of these decisions should be made by the client, and the fire protection engineer can help provide their clients with information and options.
Some of this may appear to lead to overly conservative designs and hence not be sustainable; however, if future flexibility can be increased, the lifespan of a building can be increased and hence its sustainability. All of these decisions should be made by the client, and the fire protection engineer can help provide their clients with information and options.
References:
- Building Code of Australia, Australian Building Codes Board, Canberra, 2009.
- NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2009.
- McGrattan, K., et al. Fire Dynamics Simulator (Version 5) User's Guide, NIST Special Publication 1019-5, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 2009.
Monday, December 10, 2012
'Tis the Holiday Season for Fire Safety
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire.
Your Christmas Tree is likely the centerpiece of your holiday decorations and its a fun family tradition every year. However, surprisingly that Christmas tree can be unsafe.
To make sure your Christmas and the rest of the holiday season merry and bright, but above all safe. Follow these tips for Christmas tree decorating and holiday lights.
- If you have a natural Christmas tree, make it's a container that holds water and water it so it won't dry out.
- Do not place your Christmas near wall space heaters, coal or wood burning stoves and fireplaces. And make sure it doesn't block any door ways or exits.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Always check the decorative lights wiring before putting it on the tree to insure that there isn't any lose or frayed wires. Also check each light socket for any damage and that the light bulb fits in properly.
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Try not to keep your Christmas tree lights and indoor/outdoor decorative lights on longer than necessary, especially unsupervised. And make sure you turn them off before you go to bed.
- Use a surge protector for all your lighting and don't overload the surge protector and any wall outlets you consider using. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
My family and I want to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.
Our Best Regards,
The Chabre Family
Our Best Regards,
The Chabre Family
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Facts of Fire Sprinklers and Fire Systems
Fire Sprinkler System Facts
- The chances of a fire sprinkler head accidentally going off is extremely remote unless it's physically damaged.
- Fire sprinkler heads are heat-activated and smoke does not activate the fire sprinkler head.
- Each fire sprinkler head is rated for a certain degree depending on the building occupancy application.
- Each fire sprinkler discharges individually, all fire sprinklers do not set-off at once.
- Residential fires are more often than not controlled with one fire sprinkler head.
- 92% of all fires are controlled with six or fewer heads.
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
The automatic fire sprinkler system is the most widely used fire protection system today. The whole philosophy of sprinklers is based upon the premise of applying the right amount of water in the seat of the fire, at the right time and as quickly as possible. Many ordinary hazard fire sprinkler systems for industrial and commercial buildings have a water tank and pump to guarantee adequate water flow and pressure. Most cities and counties provide adequate water supply for residential, industrial and commercial occupancies.
 |
| Semi-recessed Sprinkler |
There are several types of fire sprinklers:
Quick responseStandard response
Residential
ESFR
Quick, residential and standard response fire sprinklers release 8 to 24 gallons of water per minute as compared to a fire hose that releases from 50 to 125 gallons per minute.
 |
| Concealed Residential Sprinkler |
Each fire sprinkler head is rated for a certain degree (see chart below), depending on the occupancy application. As soon as the surrounding temperature reaches the rated degree the bulb or fusible link will burst and thus operate the flow of water in the fire sprinkler system.
 |
| Fire Sprinkler Head Chart |
Property losses are 87% less in residences with fire sprinklers compared to those without sprinklers.
Water damage from a home fire sprinkler system will be much less severe than the damage caused by water from fire-fighting hose lines or smoke and fire damage if the fire goes unabated.
Two common types of fire sprinkler systems
A wet fire sprinkler system is commonly installed in areas where the ambient temperature is above 32 degrees F.
The fire sprinkler system is constantly charged with water under pressure. When a fire sprinkler head is activated water instantly flows on to the fire.
A dry fire sprinkler system is commonly installed in areas where the ambient temperature is at or below 32 degrees F.
The dry fire sprinkler system is constantly charged with compressed air, which holds the fire sprinkler valve in closed position. When a fire sprinkler head is activated, the air pressure is lost, the valve opens and water flows into the system to the open sprinkler head and on to the fire.
Testing and Certification of Fire Sprinkler Systems
The laws set forth by your local fire department and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) protect you by making sure that all fire related systems are tested at regular intervals to insure proper operation of that system.
Certification of automatic fire sprinkler systems in most jurisdictions should be certified annually. Check with your local Fire Department or local building code enforcement department.
Should I have my fire sprinkler system tested?
YES. Your local fire department will notify you as to when and how often this should be done. The minimum testing would be annually and the maximum would be quarterly. Check with your local Fire Department.
Who can test my fire sprinkler system?
Only a certified technician can test and certify your fire sprinkler system.
There are many publications that can provide further details of fire sprinkler systems. Also, visit your local fire department for free consultation and advise or contact the National Fire Protection Association, they have valuable pamphlets with lots of information. If you contact a fire sprinkler contractor check with the your state to make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured.
Remember "Fire Sprinklers Save Lives"
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Four Alarm Fire Near U.C. Berkeley
A four-alarm fire at a mixed-use building near the University of California at Berkeley took 6 hours to be contained early Saturday morning. No firefighters or other injuries were reported as fire crews continued to tackle the fire the had spread and become a major fire.
The fire at the five-story building with 39 units on the corner of Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street was first reported at 8:48 p.m. on Friday November18. As of 12:15 a.m. in the morning the fire had spread throughout the entire building and had not been contained according to reports by the Berkeley Fire Department.
A fire unit was at the scene by 9:00 p.m. and the fire progressed to a third-alarm fire by 9:15 p.m. Several local agencies had responded to the fire, including firefighters from Alameda County and Oakland.
The building has commercial space on the first floor and 39 residential units on the other floors. Businesses contained in the building include the long-time Telegraph fixture Cafe Intermezzo and Raleigh's Bar and Grill. Residents were evacuated, many residents found housing quickly, and the Red Cross was on hand to assist those who needed help in finding housing.
No reports if the building had any early warning fire alarm systems and or fire suppression systems
The fire at the five-story building with 39 units on the corner of Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street was first reported at 8:48 p.m. on Friday November18. As of 12:15 a.m. in the morning the fire had spread throughout the entire building and had not been contained according to reports by the Berkeley Fire Department.
A fire unit was at the scene by 9:00 p.m. and the fire progressed to a third-alarm fire by 9:15 p.m. Several local agencies had responded to the fire, including firefighters from Alameda County and Oakland.
No reports if the building had any early warning fire alarm systems and or fire suppression systems
Sunday, November 6, 2011
16 Dogs died in Kennel Fire
A fire killed 16 dogs, including puppies, Wednesday in a suburban breeder's backyard kennel, which an inspector later said was illegal.
Police said eight of the dogs were puppies under 5 months old.
Elmsford Fire Chief Richard Hoke said the dogs died in their cages and probably were killed by breathing smoke rather than by burns. He said no dogs survived the morning blaze in Greenburgh, about 25 miles north of Manhattan.
The fire destroyed the 20-by-20-foot shed behind a home.
Greenburgh police Lt. Brian Joseph Ryan who identified the owner, whom he said raises large Italian mastiffs of a breed known as the Cane Corso. It was not immediately known if all the dead dogs were that breed, but Hoke said they all seemed to be the same breed.
Greenburgh Building Inspector John Lucido said the kennel violated town codes because only three grown dogs are permitted per household and because a kennel business is illegal in the neighborhood.
He said the owner was warned about a similar violation in 2006, "but he brought the number of dogs down to be in compliance."
He added that his department had received no complaints since 2006.
Cane Corso puppies often sell for more than $1,000. masterk9rus.com, did not list prices but invited PayPal deposits on several dogs with names including Sparks, Hanibal and Movado.
"We aim to improve the Cane Corso breed," the website says. "Our dogs are family raised and bred for temperament, health, show and working capability."
Ryan said eight of the dead dogs were 5 months to 7 years old, the rest younger.
He said a preliminary report from detectives and fire marshals suggested the cause of the fire may have been a heat lamp or space heater, but the investigation continued.
Officials said they did not know if heaters were being used because of an electricity outage. A weekend snowstorm cut off power to many customers in the area.
No charges had been filed, Ryan said.
Ernest Lungaro, director of humane law enforcement for the Westchester County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the SPCA took two of the dogs for necropsies to determine the cause of death. He said the owner was cooperating with the agency's investigation into whether cruelty laws had been broken.
Ryan said the fire was reported to Greenburgh police just before 7 a.m. The Elmsford Fire Department was then called, although the fire was just outside Elmsford, in an unincorporated area of Greenburgh.
Police said eight of the dogs were puppies under 5 months old.
Elmsford Fire Chief Richard Hoke said the dogs died in their cages and probably were killed by breathing smoke rather than by burns. He said no dogs survived the morning blaze in Greenburgh, about 25 miles north of Manhattan.
The fire destroyed the 20-by-20-foot shed behind a home.
Greenburgh police Lt. Brian Joseph Ryan who identified the owner, whom he said raises large Italian mastiffs of a breed known as the Cane Corso. It was not immediately known if all the dead dogs were that breed, but Hoke said they all seemed to be the same breed.Greenburgh Building Inspector John Lucido said the kennel violated town codes because only three grown dogs are permitted per household and because a kennel business is illegal in the neighborhood.
He said the owner was warned about a similar violation in 2006, "but he brought the number of dogs down to be in compliance."
He added that his department had received no complaints since 2006.
Cane Corso puppies often sell for more than $1,000. masterk9rus.com, did not list prices but invited PayPal deposits on several dogs with names including Sparks, Hanibal and Movado.
"We aim to improve the Cane Corso breed," the website says. "Our dogs are family raised and bred for temperament, health, show and working capability."
Ryan said eight of the dead dogs were 5 months to 7 years old, the rest younger.
He said a preliminary report from detectives and fire marshals suggested the cause of the fire may have been a heat lamp or space heater, but the investigation continued.
Officials said they did not know if heaters were being used because of an electricity outage. A weekend snowstorm cut off power to many customers in the area.
No charges had been filed, Ryan said.
Ernest Lungaro, director of humane law enforcement for the Westchester County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the SPCA took two of the dogs for necropsies to determine the cause of death. He said the owner was cooperating with the agency's investigation into whether cruelty laws had been broken.
Ryan said the fire was reported to Greenburgh police just before 7 a.m. The Elmsford Fire Department was then called, although the fire was just outside Elmsford, in an unincorporated area of Greenburgh.
California Home Care Facility Fire
A fire at a California home care facility for the disabled has killed four adults and left two others hospitalized, authorities said Sunday.
The fire was reported at around 11:45 p.m. Saturday in Marina, a small coastal community in Monterey County, about 100 miles south of San Francisco.
Three Marina police officers suffered smoke inhalation when they tried to rescue people inside the burning single family home, police watch commander Robin Nowak said. The officers have been treated and released.
The four people who were killed were residents of the home, Nowak said. Nowak didn't know who operated the home.
The cause of the fire was under investigation, but investigators with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene Sunday. ATF officials didn't immediately return a call to The Associated Press seeking information on the investigation.
The fire was reported by a driver on nearby Highway 1 who saw the flames, Bay Area KION-TV reported.
The fire was reported at around 11:45 p.m. Saturday in Marina, a small coastal community in Monterey County, about 100 miles south of San Francisco.
Three Marina police officers suffered smoke inhalation when they tried to rescue people inside the burning single family home, police watch commander Robin Nowak said. The officers have been treated and released.
The cause of the fire was under investigation, but investigators with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene Sunday. ATF officials didn't immediately return a call to The Associated Press seeking information on the investigation.
The fire was reported by a driver on nearby Highway 1 who saw the flames, Bay Area KION-TV reported.
Published: Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 - 12:29 pm
Last Modified: Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 - 2:06 pm
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Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Scandinavian Star, The Nordic Empress and Fire Protection
The Scandinavian Star was a passenger ship and ferry with a route between Oslo and Denmark in the 1990's. During one of its routine voyages, a fire broke out on one of the decks. 158 people were killed in the blaze.
The Scandinavian Star was built according to fire safety regulations of the time. Unfortunately, these regulations did not require a fire sprinkler system throughout the ship. There was limited fire sprinkler systems installed in certain areas of the ship, including the car garage, the fire sprinkler system did not cover the entire ship. Firefighters later found that the fire sprinkler system had not been properly maintained, and that the sprinkler heads were plugged with rust.
The fire was started deliberately in a hallway. Passengers died taking shelter in cabins and attempting to escape through the halls to safer areas of the ship. The problem, of course, is that there are no safe areas on a ship when a fire breaks out. Passengers have nowhere to go in case of a fire.
That's why effective fire prevention is so important on seagoing vessels. Investigative officials, in charge with discovering the causes of the fire, strongly recommended that all seagoing vessels be fitted with a fire sprinkler system in the future.
The Scandinavian Star was built according to fire safety regulations of the time. Unfortunately, these regulations did not require a fire sprinkler system throughout the ship. There was limited fire sprinkler systems installed in certain areas of the ship, including the car garage, the fire sprinkler system did not cover the entire ship. Firefighters later found that the fire sprinkler system had not been properly maintained, and that the sprinkler heads were plugged with rust.
The fire was started deliberately in a hallway. Passengers died taking shelter in cabins and attempting to escape through the halls to safer areas of the ship. The problem, of course, is that there are no safe areas on a ship when a fire breaks out. Passengers have nowhere to go in case of a fire.
That's why effective fire prevention is so important on seagoing vessels. Investigative officials, in charge with discovering the causes of the fire, strongly recommended that all seagoing vessels be fitted with a fire sprinkler system in the future.
Today, high velocity water sprays combined with low water discharge rates are changing the way shipboard fires are fought.
The eruption of a fuel fire in the engine room of the cruise ship Nordic Empress was controlled and extinguished expeditiously because of the swift activation of a water mist system designed to protect shipboard machinery spaces. This is the most recent success of high velocity water sprays combined with low water discharge rates.
Known as water mist systems, the technology is being installed on an increasing number of commercial vessels, especially cruise ships, replacing alternatives such as Halon-1301. The Navy is also using a water mist system on its new Amphibious Transport Dock ship, the LPD-17, it was delivered from the Litton Avondale Industries Shipyard in New Orleans in 2003.
Water has been the traditional fire-fighting agent for centuries, but too much water combined with inappropriate fire fighting techniques has had disastrous results.
Traditional water fire-extinguishing systems are based on water applied to a fire from straight hose streams or sprinkler systems. Typically, wet pipe sprinkler systems are activated when heat from a fire melts a fusible link in a sprinkler head allowing water to flow and spray into the area. Other systems, known as dry pipe, have open sprinkler heads and an electrically controlled main supply line valve controlling water flow to all sprinkler heads in the system. Both systems are designed to allow for a maximum volume of water to be discharged onto a fire area, effectively drowning the fire. The disadvantages of traditional water systems are that they can cause substantial damage to areas not directly affected by the flames and, for ships, jeopardize their buoyancy.
to be continued.
Fire safety or the environment – is it necessary to choose?
Awareness of the fact that large fires may present dramatic and persistent adverse effects on the environment has risen since the occurrence of numerous high impact incidents over the past 25 years. Traditionally, discussion of the environmental impact of fires has focused on the emissions that fires can cause both to the air, water and soil; but in recent years a new debate has arisen where the impact of chemicals on the environment and the precautionary principle have taken precedence.
Read more....
Read more....
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Non-Sprinklered Residential Apartment Unit Fire
Firefighters agree that
residential fire sprinklers could have saved a pregnant woman who died in a
Nebraska fire in late 2006. The woman, whose due date fell on the same day she
died, passed out from smoke inhalation soon after a faulty electrical cord set
her mattress on fire. Her two-year-old daughter was trapped within the apartment unit,
and suffered critical injuries.
The smell of smoke woke a neighboring couple late that night. They checked their own apartment unit thoroughly, and found no fire. Then they went into the hallway and followed the smell to the woman's apartment. They managed to get the door open. Smoke and flames poured into the hallway, and the couple could hear the two-year-old crying inside. While the woman rushed to call 911, the man tried to enter the apartment and save the little girl. But the smoke was too thick--even with a damp cloth over his mouth and nose, he couldn't see well enough to find her.
Residential fire sprinklers handle fires like this every day. If residential fire sprinklers had been installed in this building, a sprinkler head would have activated the moment the fire started, extinguishing it before it could do serious harm. In cases where bedding catches fire, and even when people's clothing ignites, residential fire sprinklers have been able to suppress the fire quickly enough to save victims' lives.
The smell of smoke woke a neighboring couple late that night. They checked their own apartment unit thoroughly, and found no fire. Then they went into the hallway and followed the smell to the woman's apartment. They managed to get the door open. Smoke and flames poured into the hallway, and the couple could hear the two-year-old crying inside. While the woman rushed to call 911, the man tried to enter the apartment and save the little girl. But the smoke was too thick--even with a damp cloth over his mouth and nose, he couldn't see well enough to find her.
Residential fire sprinklers handle fires like this every day. If residential fire sprinklers had been installed in this building, a sprinkler head would have activated the moment the fire started, extinguishing it before it could do serious harm. In cases where bedding catches fire, and even when people's clothing ignites, residential fire sprinklers have been able to suppress the fire quickly enough to save victims' lives.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Lessons Learned From Unsatisfactory Sprinkler Performance: An update on trends and a root cause discussion from the investigating engineer's perspective
This article is from the FPE Magazine archives.
Automatic sprinkler systems are often considered the most significant component of a building fire protection strategy. When properly designed, installed and maintained, an automatic sprinkler system can control a fire and significantly reduce deaths, injuries and property damage. However, sprinkler systems have their limitations, and their performance can be affected by factors not linked to the initial design or installation of the sprinkler system. This article explores automatic sprinkler system failure data to identify and discuss causes of unsatisfactory sprinkler performance.
Historical fire losses provide experiences that shape current fire protection design methodologies, design criteria and defense strategies. Significant lessons learned have been extracted from post-fire investigations of major losses of life and/or property despite protection by an automatic sprinkler system. These post-fire loss investigations revealed not only the cause of the fires, but causes associated with unsatisfactory sprinkler system performance. Unsatisfactory performance includes failure to operate, as well as ineffectiveness to control a fire and limit damages to life and property.
read more.......
Friday, August 5, 2011
Residential Fire Sprinklers Saved the Lives of a Father and Daughter
A kitchen fire that started late one February evening could have claimed the lives of a father and daughter--if not for residential fire sprinklers.
The fire started when a burner left unattended ignited in the kitchen that evening. Firefighters discovered smoke, but no fire--the residential fire sprinklers had extinguished it before it could spread to other areas of the house.
Over 70% of fire fatalities happen in the home. Of those, around half start in the kitchen. Leaving a pan of food unattended, even for a minute, is enough to start a serious fire. Burners take a while to cool, even when turned off. It's not safe to leave a pan or anything else flammable near a burner, even when it's not turned on. Fires also start in microwaves when food is left inside too long, or when people use non-microwave-safe utensils and containers.
While many kitchen fires are a result of carelessness or inattention, they can happen even when owners take all reasonable precautions. Modern kitchens contain lots of electrical appliances, any of which could have faulty wiring that causes a spark. Gas leaks are another hazard.
There has never been a fire fatality reported in a home with residential sprinkler systems installed. With a sprinkler head in the kitchen, residents can feel safe--even in the most fire-prone area of the home.
The fire started when a burner left unattended ignited in the kitchen that evening. Firefighters discovered smoke, but no fire--the residential fire sprinklers had extinguished it before it could spread to other areas of the house.
Over 70% of fire fatalities happen in the home. Of those, around half start in the kitchen. Leaving a pan of food unattended, even for a minute, is enough to start a serious fire. Burners take a while to cool, even when turned off. It's not safe to leave a pan or anything else flammable near a burner, even when it's not turned on. Fires also start in microwaves when food is left inside too long, or when people use non-microwave-safe utensils and containers.
While many kitchen fires are a result of carelessness or inattention, they can happen even when owners take all reasonable precautions. Modern kitchens contain lots of electrical appliances, any of which could have faulty wiring that causes a spark. Gas leaks are another hazard.
There has never been a fire fatality reported in a home with residential sprinkler systems installed. With a sprinkler head in the kitchen, residents can feel safe--even in the most fire-prone area of the home.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Fire Sprinkler System Saves A School
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| Fire Dept response |
Rushing to the scene, however, the fire department found that the fire was contained in a single classroom--and the building's fire sprinkler systems had kept it in check. It took just minutes for firefighters to extinguish the blaze completely.
The cause of this fire was not conclusively determined to be arson-related. However, that's a likely scenario. In 1996, firefighters responded to over 2,000 school fires--70% of which were caused by arson. Schools are obvious targets for delinquent youth. Insurance companies claim that 40% of the time, the culprits are boys aged 10-17 years old. While many arson fires are started outside of normal school hours, an alarming trend indicates that more arsonists are starting fires while school is in session. Common places for fires include bathrooms, closets, and locker rooms--anywhere a child can be undisturbed for a few minutes.
School fires are tragic, not only for the children involved, but also for the staff and the community. Children lose their sense of safety and security at school. Staff lose a school they may have invested decades in developing--a loss that can be devastating to any teacher or administrator. The community and school district can be hit hard by the financial burden of rebuilding a school. In addition, loss of supplies, test results, important records, computers and furniture can affect children's school careers long after the fire. It can take a community and school district years or even decades to recover from a fire started by a single malicious act.
Many school districts can't afford to have guards posted outside while the school's closed--and arsonists can find ways to get inside a locked and unattended school. In addition, no matter how attentive the staff, it's nearly impossible to watch every child, every minute.
That's why fire sprinkler systems are the ideal solution. They're nearly impossible to set off accidentally or maliciously without starting a real fire--so the risk of water damage from practical jokes or accidental firings are minimal. In addition, fire sprinkler systems control a fire the minute it starts, giving it no time to spread to other areas of the school. Their record of fire safety tells the story: a school with fire sprinkler systems installed has never been lost due to fire, from arson or any other causes.
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| Sprinkler discharge |
More and more states are requiring all schools to be built with fire sprinkler systems and it should go farther than that, it should be mandated that all existing school buildings should be retro-fitted with fire sprinkler systems. Our Washington law makers should enact a federal law that would be funded by the federal government to install fire sprinkler systems in all existing school buildings.
To cut costs it should also be mandated that the prevailing wages for the construction sector should be extricated and allow any contractor to bid on the project without the detriment of requiring to pay the prevailing wages to the workers.
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| Fire Dept Connection |
Monday, June 27, 2011
Lawmakers to Consider Mandatory Fire Sprinkler Systems in Animal Housing Facilities
A three-alarm fire engulfed a Connecticut pet shop early in 2006. Although the building did not have sprinklers, most of the pets were saved before flames consumed the shop. The fire prompted lawmakers to propose legislating fire sprinkler systems in buildings and facilities that house animals.
Animals are common fire fatalities. No matter how beloved, house pets are usually the last rescued in residential fires. Barns and zoos are also prone to fire. Barns often contain large amounts of hay, flammable fuels, and other fire-prone materials--including sheep, horses, cows, and other livestock. When a fire starts, these big animals are panicked and dangerous to rescue. As a result, they often stay confined during a fire, and usually burn to death in their stalls.
Zoo and aquarium fires are also more common than most people realize--the Ocean City Aquarium, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoo, and many other famous zoos and aquariums have lost animals to fire. In facilities that are supposed to protect and care for these animals, many patrons consider failure to install fire sprinkler systems negligent.
The bill to mandate fire sprinkler systems in animal housing facilities was not successful. However, it's possible the subject could come up again. Like handicapped patients in rest homes, animals are often helpless in the face of fire. Fire sprinkler systems protect those who can't protect themselves.
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| Dog Kennel Fire |
Animals are common fire fatalities. No matter how beloved, house pets are usually the last rescued in residential fires. Barns and zoos are also prone to fire. Barns often contain large amounts of hay, flammable fuels, and other fire-prone materials--including sheep, horses, cows, and other livestock. When a fire starts, these big animals are panicked and dangerous to rescue. As a result, they often stay confined during a fire, and usually burn to death in their stalls.
Zoo and aquarium fires are also more common than most people realize--the Ocean City Aquarium, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoo, and many other famous zoos and aquariums have lost animals to fire. In facilities that are supposed to protect and care for these animals, many patrons consider failure to install fire sprinkler systems negligent.
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| KARLSRUHE ZOO IN SOUTHERN GERMANY |
The bill to mandate fire sprinkler systems in animal housing facilities was not successful. However, it's possible the subject could come up again. Like handicapped patients in rest homes, animals are often helpless in the face of fire. Fire sprinkler systems protect those who can't protect themselves.
Credits offered for sprinkler installation course
The National Association of Home Builders now offers creditsfor a no-cost sprinkler installation course highlighting provisions in NFPA 13D: Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes. The course, developed by the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, provides an overview of sprinkler operations, installation and life safety benefits.
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