Ultimate Guide To Building Constructionfor Firefighters

Ultimate Guide to Building Construction

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.
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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. 

General Operations
 5 Building Construction Types: Fire Resistance Ratings
Building Construction Basics: Key Terms Firefighters Need to Know
Building Construction Review
Understanding Building Construction Types
Building Construction for the Fire Service
Building Construction Related to the Fire Service
Principles of Building Construction: Noncombustible
Building Construction (Presentation)
Building Construction Related to the Fire Service (Presentation)
Changing Severity of Home Fires Workshop Report (Report)
Building Construction 101 for Firefighters (Video)
Fire Training Course: Building Construction (Video)
Buildings on Fire (Website)Balloon Frame
Best Practices for Fighting Fires in Balloon Frame Construction
Fighting the Balloon Frame Construction Fire
Balloon Frame Construction (Video)
Balloon Frame Construction and Overhaul (Video)Buildings Under ConstructionFire Prevention & Safety for Buildings Under Construction
Fires in Buildings Under Construction
Fires in Structures Under Construction or Renovation (Report)
Pre-Planning and Fire Suppression of Buildings Under Construction (Report)
Wood Frame Building Under Construction (Video)
Fire Service Resources for Construction Fire Safety (Website)Green BuildingsGreen Building Challenges for the Fire Service
Green Buildings: Design Features and Hazards for Firefighters
Fire Safety Challenges of Green Buildings and Attributes (Report)Other
Building Construction and Occupancy Types (Manual)
Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems (Manual)
Fighting Fires with Facts: Web based educational program for the fire service on modern construction components and technology.
Lightweight Building Construction (Video)
Post and Beam Wood Frame Construction (Video)
Top 15 Roof Types