Chapter 10 Fire Prevention

Introduction One of the most important and least recognized jobs that the fire department performs is fire prevention Prevention does not make headlines when it is successful When it is unsuccessful, the community suffers fire-related deaths and property losses Not all fire-related deaths and property loss can be prevented, but through prevention efforts they can be reduced

FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES Prevent loss of life and property due to fire IMPACT OF A MAJOR FACILITY LOSS Loss of life People out of work Severe negative financial impact Learning Objective 1 Importance of Fire Prevention

MAJOR FOREST FIRE Large amounts of natural resources destroyed FIRE PREVENTION Prevent hostile fires Provide for life safety Prevent spread of fire from one area to another Learning Objective 1 Importance of Fire Prevention

AREAS OF FIRE PREVENTION Engineering, education, enforcement, and fire cause determination FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES Design of fire-safe assemblies and systems Review of building plans before construction Enforcement of codes and ordinances Learning Objective 2 Activities Performed by Fire Prevention Bureau

FIRE PREVENTION TERMS Fire prevention inspection Potential hazard Risk Hazards in the design of buildings Cont. Learning Objective 2 Activities Performed by Fire Prevention Bureau

FIRE PREVENTION TERMS Occupancy Hazardous occupancies Institutional occupancies Occupancy classification Learning Objective 2 Activities Performed by Fire Prevention Bureau

FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITY BEFORE CONSTRUCTION Zoning regulations  Occupancies Setbacks from property lines Required fire flow Learning Objective 2 Activities Performed by Fire Prevention Bureau

FIRE PREVENTION DURING DESIGN Sprinkler systems and standpipes Fire and building codes LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION Floor and roof supporting systems Thorough inspections reveal lightweight construction Learning Objective 2 Activities Performed by Fire Prevention Bureau

DEVICES FOR FIRE PREVENTION Automatic fire extinguishing system Type and size depend on the hazard ASSEMBLIES FOR FIRE PREVENTION Can prevent the spread of fire Self-closing doors, fire walls Learning Objective 2 Activities Performed by Fire Prevention Bureau

HAZARD EVALUATION AND CONTROL Purpose Sequence of events Two basic methods of hazard evaluation and control  Adherence to good practices  Predictive hazard evaluation procedures Learning Objective 2 Activities Performed by Fire Prevention Bureau

EDUCATING THE PUBLIC School system YWCA Super Sitter Civic groups and industry Fire station tours Public service announcements News conference on television or radio Learning Objectives 3 and 4 Methods of Public Education Authority to Enforce Fire Prevention Regulation

YEAR-ROUND PUBLIC EDUCATION Fire Prevention Week Media Day  Build relationships Post signs  Billboards, roadside signs, bumper stickers Learning Objectives 3 and 4 Methods of Public Education Authority to Enforce Fire Prevention Regulation

REACHING ELECTED OFFICIALS Lawmakers Fire service can only enforce the laws If not law, can only seek voluntary compliance Statistics gains attention of lawmakers Learning Objectives 3 and 4 Methods of Public Education Authority to Enforce Fire Prevention Regulation

COMPANY-LEVEL FIRE PROTECTION Company members walk through their districts Public relations opportunity Hazard reduction inspections  Dry brush  Tires  Pallets Learning Objectives 3 and 4 Methods of Public Education Authority to Enforce Fire Prevention Regulation

FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTION Do preliminary work Be equipped with tools of the trade Gain access to facility or business Approach business owner  Explain your visit Cont. Learning Objectives 3 and 4 Methods of Public Education Authority to Enforce Fire Prevention Regulation

FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTION Perform the inspection Find hazards and violations  Document violations Complete the inspection  May be required to develop a plan of correction Learning Objectives 3 and 4 Methods of Public Education Authority to Enforce Fire Prevention Regulation

FIRE PREVENTION PERSONNEL Staff function (fire inspector) Operations function (firefighter assigned to an engine or truck company) Fire prevention bureau personnel Fire prevention chief Cont. Learning Objective 5 Typical Fire Prevention Bureau

FIRE PREVENTION PERSONNEL Inspection officers Firefighters as inspectors (when officers are in charge of divisions) Civilians  Technical specialists Learning Objective 5 Typical Fire Prevention Bureau

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Training requirements  NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner May seek training from numerous sources Agencies that publish codes may also provide training Cont. Learning Objective 5 Typical Fire Prevention Bureau

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Alternative training Knowledge of code  Write reports Public education courses Learn latest techniques and methods Learning Objective 5 Typical Fire Prevention Bureau

DETERMINATION OF FIRE CAUSE Fire official Scene responsibility lies with highest-ranking officer Cause determination from a prevention standpoint First observations at scene  Investigation begins with personnel at the scene Cont. Learning Objectives 6 and 7 Importance of Fire Information Reporting Uses of Fire-Related Statistics

DETERMINATION OF FIRE CAUSE Reconstruction Investigate to determine cause Types and complexity of investigations  Basic investigation  Technical investigation  Incendiary or suspicious Learning Objectives 6 and 7 Importance of Fire Information Reporting Uses of Fire-Related Statistics

FIRE INFORMATION REPORTING Fire reports Setting goals and objectives Standard fire report  NFPA 901, Standard Classifications for Incident Reporting and Fire Protection Data Most states require reporting of all fire-related casualties Learning Objectives 6 and 7 Importance of Fire Information Reporting Uses of Fire-Related Statistics

Summary Understanding the importance of fire prevention is necessary for every member of the fire department By being proactive and reducing not only the numbers of fires that start but also reducing the threat they pose through engineering and enforcement, the goal of reduced fire losses can be accomplished The fire prevention system consists of persons of all ranks and duties in the fire department