Ch 19 pg 485-493 danger of partially occupied structures

A process where concrete, when exposed to intense heat, experiences rapid expansion of trapped water turning into steam, causing chunks to forcefully break off.

Large pieces of concrete that break off due to spalling, typically weighing over 100 pounds.

Cooling down heated concrete requires significant amounts of water, which can be challenging even after the fire is extinguished.

Higher floors in buildings are often completed last but rented first due to views and prestige.

Lower floors, frequently used for storage during construction, often have heavy materials and may lack sprinkler systems.

Construction codes sometimes permit lower floors to be unsprinklered while occupied higher floors require operational sprinklers.

Firefighting in buildings under construction is complex due to the mix of occupied spaces and ongoing construction work.

Temporary sprinkler systems can improve safety during construction, but limiting occupancy to fully protected lower floors is recommended if the systems are not installed.

Rapid fire spread is common in buildings undergoing renovations because barriers like doors might be removed, posing greater risks.

Essential safety measures include ensuring that stairwells and occupancy doors are not blocked to avoid fire contamination and ensure safe escape.

Vacant buildings have the highest risk for firefighter fatalities, with death rates five times higher than occupied residential buildings.

Risks in vacant buildings are heightened due to structural instability and compromised fire protection, requiring cautious and slow operations.

Markings indicating hazards, like an "X", signal that operations should predominantly occur outdoors due to serious risks.

Firefighting efforts in vacant buildings should prioritize external streams, avoiding entry into buildings, especially in unsafe locations.

Situational awareness is vital as vacant buildings pose significant life hazards only to firefighters present inside.

Some cities use visible signage systems to identify vacant buildings, making them easier to spot for responders.

Signage systems for vacant buildings are vulnerable to damage and need active monitoring to ensure their effectiveness.

Firefighters should not rely solely on marking systems and always maintain comprehensive situational awareness.

Exercise caution when operating in and around potentially dangerous structures to minimize risks associated with compromised environments.

Spalling occurs when trapped water inside concrete turns into steam due to fire, causing pieces of concrete to break off.

The largest pieces of concrete that detach during spalling can weigh over 100 pounds, presenting a serious hazard.

Concrete retains heat for a long time, requiring a large amount of water to cool it down after fire.

Lower floors of buildings under construction are often used for storage and may lack sprinkler systems, posing a significant fire risk.