THIS IS A FINAL PAPER FOR MY FIRE PREVENTION COURSE, IT IS A COMMENTARY NOT A TRAINING ARTICLE. Please take a read and let me know what you think. I have 22 hours to turn it in along with my final presentation. Thanks -huston
Theories of Modern Fire Protection – Christopher Huston
Man’s relationship with fire is one of great passion and torment. Without the simple
chemical reaction, our world would look very different. Fire has helped sustain
life, yet is ever on the verge to destroy. The progress of humanity has
included the means to create and contain this very natural process. As we
evolve, we must design and implement new methods to gain control of the rapid
oxidation event we call fire.
The early days of Fire Prevention were primitive. Contain the fire to the area of our choosing.
This seems likes a simplistic point of view, but look at what was accessible to
burn. Man lived in caves or make shift huts, surrounded only by naturally
occurring combustibles. What ensured fire behaved, was respect. Fire was
regarded with much more reverence and appreciation. The effort to create this
source of heat, light and life was considerable. Early ancestors would not
squander this labor away by allowing flames to go unchecked. In the event of
escape of embers or loss of control, the results were disastrous. When it
became too much, man would control the burning with whatever means were
available. A last resort move was to run from the inferno, when it threatened
his life. Total loss of camps, food and belongings would occur. Just as the
means to create fire were limited, the availability of resources to extinguish
the blaze was scarce. People of these times had cultural influences such as the
fire giving away their camp location. Security was a priority, so only enough
fire was created to provide the needs of the time. Fire was a necessity for
life. Fire prevention of the time, provided through admiration.
Flash forward to the industrial age. The threat of conflagration was imminent. Fire was more prevalent
and was used in every home, on every street corner and in every industry. As
man’s use of fire increased, the level of complacency that fire destroys
spread. How and who would combat the threat of fire? Those who had the most to lose, the investors. Mill owners banded together to create a mutual fire insurance company. This first organization, created by Zachariah Allen, was
limited to only the best textile manufacturers. This strategy would prove to be
advantageous; both financially and through the standards, it created. Mutual
insured companies would conform to new standards of operation concerning fire
protection. Inspections and construction requirements would set the stage for
modern Fire Protection and Risk Reduction methodology. Although these early
days of Fire Prevention, aimed at cost savings, carried over the results that
would serve the basic mission of the Fire Service, the good of the people.
When the public thinks about fire, in the modern environment, they envision the Fire Department.
Where the Fire Department can better assist the community they serve, is to
educate. Public Fire Prevention and Education is really the most aggressive
method of fire suppression we have. When Firefighters think about “aggressive”
fire attack they imagine making a push down a dark, smoky, hot hallway and
putting out the fire. The tragedy of this misconception, we as the fire service
have failed our mission. We should desire to perform manual suppression as a
last resort.
Fire Suppression starts at the code process. Standards, regulations and codes lay the groundwork
for every process that the Fire Department should serve. When too many lives
and property were lost due to effects of fire, someone had to step up to the
challenge. In the late 1800’s D.W.C. Skilton of the National Board of Fire
Underwriters called for reducing risk by improving fire safety. Skilton quoted
“The old theory of risk being written as found is becoming obsolete. Great
industries are aiming to secure improvements in construction, introduction of
automatic and other appliances for the prevention and extinguishment of fire,
to greatly reduce the rate for lessening of hazard.” In this same year, a new
hazard would enter industry that would forever change our world, electricity.
To manage this, the NBFU formed the National Board Electrical Code. Later this
code became what we now know as NFPA 70, National Electric Code. Codes set the
do and don’ts, or best practices. To gain headway on the national fire problem,
we must first ensure we are all on the same page. Codes benefit the system
two-fold. First, the code establishes how to create the structure. When a
building is constructed or a detection system installed, a code regulates the
execution. Various codes are required and enforced during the building
construction process. Ensuring the model codes and regulations are upheld falls
to several groups. For Fire Prevention purposes, several codes are enforced
during the construction phase. During
some projects however, code trade offs can be made. For example, the
installation of a fire suppression system allows for materials of a low fire
resistance, to be used. Other common trade offs are increased height or reduced
means of egress. The Fire Service should keep a questioning attitude when
allowing for trade offs. A sprinkler system may fail if not maintained. Other
complications such as sabotage and water supply failure could cause major
problems for the fire department response. There is no substitute for fire
barriers. Construction using nominal lumber that has fire resistance is the
preferred method. Constructing buildings to fail under fire conditions is not
the path we want to take. The second way codes ensure safety from fire is in
the routine maintenance and inspection. An example of how this works. A model
code may dictate that a sprinkler system be installed as a trade off incentive.
Once the building is ready for occupants, the standard for the system takes
over. The International Building Code
or NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, depending
on local adoption (other models may be used as well) will require the
sprinklers, but NFPA 13 Installation
of Sprinkler Systems outlines how they are to be installed. After the
installation and initial service test, then NFPA
25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water Based Fire
Protection Systems will be adhered to for the life of the system. These codes
and standards typically are bestowed to the building owner to either hire a
contract employee or if local code allows, Fire Department testing and
inspection. The work of Skilton, NBFU and early codes laid the foundation to
correct the fire problem before a fire is the problem.
Codes go beyond regulating how buildings are constructed and maintained. Fire Prevention Codes
also outline how jurisdictions operate pertaining to fire and other
emergencies. Michigan
enacted Fire Prevention Code Act 207 of 1941 to provide for this very subject.
Critical elements of this code are the definitions and delegation of authority.
With any organization, a clear set of definitions is crucial for understanding
what is meant by key terms. Leaving any gray area or “up for interpretation”
opens the door for major loss or severe consequences. All parties will be
reading from the same set of standards and work together to meet the common
goal. Delegation of Authority, another key element, ensures all parties know
who is responsible for what particular area. One of the most important
components under this rule relates to the local Fire Department, more
distinctively the Fire Chief. Key players in reducing the American Fire problem
are the men and women with “boots on the ground”, American Firefighters. Those
who serve have access to the people on a daily basis. Not only is this access
vital, Fire Service Professionals have a great reputation and have the trust of
the public.
Fire Investigation is exceedingly imperative to Fire Prevention. This author
believes investigation is the most signifigant element. When a fire does
transpire, our duty as Fire Service Professionals is to guarantee a proper and
thorough investigation takes place. The investigation is needed to identify how
the process failed. Even when a fire ignited due to accidental means, the
investigation will collect data that aids in the prevention of future
occurrences. These investigations may identify a faulty product or new trends
in malicious behavior. In recent years Juvenile fire setter programs have been
put together to combat the growing problem of children playing with ignition
sources and having destructive tendencies. Developed by the USFA, The Five-Step Process for Public Education cites
identification as the start of the
planning process. This system uses records and statistics to determine current
problems and trends. Although not all problems end with a fire, the
investigation process plays a critical role.
Since the first lighting strike that started a fire on the land or hot magma that flowed from a
volcano, fire has had the power to nourish and take life. Once man was able to
harness its mighty energy there has been no stopping the possibilities of
invention. Fire is still a simple equation, fuel, heat and oxygen. Even though
its antagonist is water, which has been around just as long, will still control
its growth and spread. Man chose to bring fire into their lives without the
full appreciation of its destructive powers. Only after a catastrophe do we see
the proper means of control implemented. To prevent destruction and loss of
life by fire, we must learn from our past, perform quality risk reduction
planning, create and enforce codes that reflect modern construction methods and
trends, and lastly prepare for future problems. To truly suppress fire, the
fire service must aggressively participate in Fire Prevention activities.
It is about a love for the job, a love that grows stronger the longer you do it.
The Ride Backwards crew and me during the NFFF Stair Climb FDIC 2011…thanks for all your support Mia!
