“In reality, there are no “fireproof” buildings.” (Building Construction for the Fire Service, 3rd Addition. Brannigan, Pg. 252)
Building Construction for the Fire Service, (Left) Is the book that sets the standard for all building construction in the fire service. Additionally, it is the text most used in the Academic Setting for College Level Fire Science and Fire Protection education. The author, Frank Brannigan, passed away in 2006. However, his book is now in its 4th edition.
ASSEMBLYMAN MILLER, DR. CONKLIN, ET AL, 2 COPIES OF THIS TEXT BOOK ARE ON FILE AT THE FAIRVIEW FIRE STATION. YOU ARE INVITED TO STOP IN AND VISIT OUR MEMBERS ANYTIME TO DISCUSS YOUR CONCERNS AND REVIEW THIS BOOK.
Buildings are built from a variety of different materials. In the event of a fire, several factors come into play. First and foremost, the type of use, occupancy and type of material used in the main structural members of the building must be considered. Different materials can withstand fire conditions for different amounts of time. The interior contents of these buildings (i.e. furniture, number of occupants, etc.) also vary, and as such, so can the amount of fire, temperature of the fire, and wind and weather conditions, and spread of the fire. (It is important to note that fire doubles in size every 30 seconds when left unchecked.) In addition, they may be outfitted with various fire alarm and fire suppression systems, which have varying capabilities to contain or prevent the spread of fire in its initial stages.
In the fire academy, and throughout their careers, firefighters study building construction, in order to ensure that they understand the limits of the buildings they may have to operate in, in the event of a fire condition.
Types of Building Construction:
1. Type I- Fire Resistive
Structural elements are of an approved non-combustible material with sufficient fire resistive rating to withstand the effects of fire and prevent its spread from story to story. Fire resistive rating must generally be three to four hours. Examples: large office buildings, large sporting arenas, and other high-occupancy buildings. Examples in Fairview: Marist College Dormitory Buildings, Saint Francis Atrium, Medical Arts Building
2. Type II- Noncombustible
Structural elements do not qualify for Type I or limited combustible material with sufficient fire-resistive rating to withstand the effects of fire and prevent its spread more often than not. Type II buildings are typically erected from steel. Examples in Fairview: Home Depot, Staples.
3. Type III- Ordinary Construction
Load bearing walls are noncombustible, while floors and ceiling assemblies are typically made of wood. Examples in Fairview: HRPC Main Administration Building
4. Type IV- Heavy Timber
Buildings with brick or block exteriors, while main structural members of the building are constructed of large, solid wood members. Type IV construction is typically seen in large mills, old churches, etc. Examples in Fairview: Marian Hall (Marist College), Parts of old HRPC and Fairview Business Park.
5. Type V- Wood Frame
Wood frame construction is the most common type of construction. Most homes, apartment houses, townhomes, etc. Are all wood framed construction. Small businesses are also wood framed. Such buildings also may have truss roofs and floors which significantly shorten the amount of time firefighters have to make a fire attack or rescue within normal elevated risk parameters. Examples in Fairview: Residential Houses, Colonial Manor Apartments, Windsor Court Townhouses.
While a building’s structural members may not be combustible, it is important to know that the interior contents of a building may be highly combustible. While alarm systems and fire suppression systems may aid in earlier notification and containment of a fire condition, they do not completely alleviate the risk of a fire in the building.
We encourage all residents to know a way out of their home in the event of a fire and practice exit drills in their homes with their families regularly.
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