On this day in 1961, not that long ago, a circus tent caught fire in Niterói, Brazil.  The fire killed 323 people including many children. It is suspected that a disgruntled worker set the fire, but that has been disputed by some. It is another example why we have codes and permits for these special […]

More candles, look at the draped chairs right next to the candles. Again, right in the aisle that will serve as an egress aisle in the event of an emergency. I don’t see sprinklers on the ceiling, although they could be there, but someone could be badly burned before a spinkler head would activate.  Just […]

On this day in 1835, a great fire swept through New York destroying over 500 buildings and claiming the lives of two people. The fire reportedly did what would be hundreds of millions of dollars of damage. The fire started on Merchant street and spread quickly through the lower Manhatten area.  Firefighters battled below freezing […]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWMhA2wDTes] Some of you may have seen this video, but is worth looking at again and showing it to your firefighters, officers and building officials.  Take time to look at your subdivisions and know the dangers. Stay safe.

This picture was labeled as “safety-fire-training”, no kidding.  This appears to be some sort of flammable liquids fire training by the looks of the props and their technique. As we can see, they are wearing standard jeans and long sleeve t-shirt for personal protection along with adjustible sports hat for head protection.  It is difficult […]

Okay, its not really a thread, but it may as well be. These truss systems are popular for overhangs and porches on commercial and residential buildings.  Typically, the top end will sit on a nailed 2×4 or rest on the top of the wall and toenailed into the joist for I-joist. These are very danagerous […]

Remember the good old days when your commerical buildings were block and mortar or steel buildings with large dimensional lumber? Those days are long gone and it has made our job that much more dangerous. When this building is completed, it will likely have a facade giving it the look of a brick, block or […]

Now I don’t know exactlly what is going on here, but just from the photo I would guess that they are pushing the limits of this porch.  It appears that the building is of an advanced age the possibility of some rotten members are good. Since there are firefighters on this roof and the brick […]

The Hotel Kerns was built in 1919 and was a brick building that boasted 162 rooms and was a favorite hot spot  noted for its bar and cafeteria. On Dec. 11, 1934 it would turn tragic when the night janitor for and adjacent business noticed flames on the 2nd floor at around 5 AM.  He […]

This is a typical scene in just about every jurisdiction in America.  The homes are getting bigger while at the same time getting “lighter” in their construction and make-up.  Take the time to go by and look at these buildings while they are being constructed.  Identify the systems being used and the layout of the […]