BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

AND FIRE BEHAVIOR FACTORS

OBJECTIVES

List the five

classification of buildings

and explain the

characteristics of each

classification

Identify the strengths and

concerns for each building

construction classification

Module 4

Overview

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATIONS

BUILDINGCONSTRUCTIONCLASSIFICATIONS

OBJECTIVES

List and explain the

critical fire behavior

factors that relate to

tactical operations for an

assigned fire scenario.

FIRE BEHAVIOR

FACTORS

FIRE TRAVEL

PREDICTIONS

Module 4

Overview

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATIONS

Understanding the strengths, concerns, and specific characteristics of construction types is critical

As structural elements become weakened, gravity will take over and

pull the building down.

BUILDING CLASSIFICATIONS

• Fire-resistive

• Noncombustible

• Heavy-timber

• Ordinary

• Wood-frame

“STRENGTHS”

“CONCERNS”

Stair case

FIRE BEHAVIOR FACTORS

Heat Release is contingent upon:

• Type of Fuel

• Physical Arrangements

• Rate of conservation to a gas

THE NATURAL VERTICAL STRATIFICATION OF HEAT WITHIN A BURNING STRUCTURE

200OF

400OF

900OF

1200OF

FLASHOVER PREVENTION

• Ventilation

• Water application

Backdraft potential

Back draft prevention

• Ventilate high in structure

Fire Travel Predictions

Fire and heat travel is determined by

• Construction of building

• Building layout

• Fuel load

• Built-in fire protection features

• Air handling systems

• Fire department ventilation

Fire Travel Assessment

• Where is the fire?

• Where is smoke showing?

• What is there to stop the fire?

• Where is there signs of increasing heat?

• Unusual signs of buildings reaction to fire?

Summary

• Building construction classifications.

• Accurate predictions of fire behavior.