Comprehensive Guides To Building Construction for Firefighters

Ultimate Guide To Building Construction for Firefighters

Our Ultimate Guide to Vehicle Fires has everything you need to understand the basics of building construction for firefighters. The Key Points summarize the primary takeaways after a review of all resources. Dive deep into individual resources for more detail.

Key Points

5 Primary Types of Building Construction
- Type I - Fire Resistive
  - Structural elements are entirely of noncombustible or limited combustible materials.
- Type II - Noncombustible / Limited Combustible
  - Similar to Type I, except less (or no) fire resistive rating for the exposed structural elements.
- Type III - Ordinary
  - All or part of the interior structural elements may be combustible.
- Type IV - Heavy Timber
  - Structural members of substantial timber construction.
- Type V - Wood Frame
  - Structural members entirely of combustible materials, usually wood. Includes post and beam, balloon frame, and platform frame.
- Types aren't static; combinations can be used by builders.
Each construction type reacts differently to fire conditions and requires specific tactics.
Pre-plan; especially for unique buildings in your response area.
Construction types can often give you a clue on occupancy types, and vice versa.
New changes to construction include: more composite materials, "green" building techniques, and more synthetic materials.
"Green" building designs and concepts, like solar panels, alternative paving, and non-traditional site design, can alter firefighting operations.
Balloon frame construction poses particular risks involving rapid fire spread.
Buildings under construction require different tactics; pre-plan when possible.