Green Energy: Part III–Firefighting Procedures and Fire Protection for Energy Storage Systems
October 31, 2016
Blog: The Phantom Menace of the Opera
November 3, 2016
Cast-iron columns supporting the first floor may be found in cellars. These columns are unpredictable and fail, on average, about 30 minutes in fire endurance tests.
Cast-iron columns supporting the first floor may be found in the cellar of taxpayers. These columns are unpredictable and fail, on average, about 30 minutes in fire endurance tests.
Here are some other safety considerations for Cellar Fires…
- When advancing a hose-line into a store cellar, it is possible that heat and fire may be building and passing over the members’ heads. Units may be unaware of this buildup and fire can break out behind them. A lookout should be posted outside the cellar entrance to observe these conditions and a backup or protection line should be in place.
- Cellar areas often are divided into a maze of storage spaces. The layout does not necessarily conform to the store layout.
- Cellar entrances may have chutes or coasters used for deliveries. Care must be exercised to ensure that these are secure and do not trap members after they have descended into the cellar. If possible, try to use another means of access without a chute.
- Heavy terrazzo or concrete sometimes is placed over wood joist floor construction, an exceptionally hazardous condition. A fire in the cellar may weaken floor supports. Sudden failure due to the weight on the floor is possible.
To get even more insight on safety concerns in stores, read the Safety First column by FDNY Battalion Chief James M. Canty in the 2nd/2016 issue of WNYF.