That night 77 people lost their lives at a school event that should have ended with celebration and refreshments. Instead the community was tasked with finding the bodies of those who did not make it out.

Not only will it hamper rescue efforts, performing ventilation or suppression from this side of the building would be challenging at best.

Then I look at my list and see the same numerics on another inspection form with a different business name. This is what I find…..

As you look at this building you can see that it seems to be a series of stores or spaces in a commercial building. Most likely a strip mall type building.

Basically, the way that these pillows work is that when they are heated, they expand (the plastic will melt away) and fill the void. This maintains the fire rating and prevents fire from spreading and smoke spread is contained.

This is pretty extreme, but this is how we stay employed and busy. Be aware and pay attention to those so-called “B.S.” calls. You never know the difference you could make at that particular time.

Steel will deform and twist and this beam will meet little, if any, resistance during a fire. I understand that a pocket of concrete will not keep this beam from dislodging, but it there is a reason for properly pocketing these beams.

Just keep your eyes open and take note of this kind of stuff. These situations do start fires.

No what your builders and contractors are using to protect penetrations in fire rated walls, ceilings and floors. Make sure they are doing it right.