Fires in Wood-Frame Buildings Under Construction
A wood-frame building under construction is a big pile of dry fuel with no walls, firestops or sprinklers to slow a fire. Fires can spread in minutes, destroy a project, harm neighbors and kill workers or firefighters.
- Carpenters
- General Contractors
- Developers
Why they are so dangerous
- Open framing lets fire and smoke travel through floors and walls without barriers.
- Sprinklers and alarms are usually not yet working. Standpipes may not be ready.
- Combustible materials, such as lumber, foam, packaging and fuel, are stored on site.
- Hot work, heaters, electrical temporary power and smoking are common ignition sources.
- Fire can spread to nearby buildings and people.
- Sites may be empty at night, so fires grow before anyone notices.
Prevention
- Prepare a fire prevention plan and name a person in charge. The standard NFPA 241 lays out what is expected. See NFPA 241
- Control hot work with permits, fire watches and extinguishers. See Hot Work Permits
- Place temporary heaters on stable bases away from combustibles, with fuel and shutoff safety. See Temporary Heaters
- Ban smoking inside and near stored fuel; provide designated outdoor areas with metal containers. See Smoking & Vaping
- Keep housekeeping good: clear scraps, sawdust, packaging and trash daily. See Fire Prevention
- Store fuel, paints, solvents and gas cylinders away from the structure. See Flammable Liquids
- Keep temporary electrical wiring in good shape, with GFCIs and no overloaded cords
- Secure the site at night with fencing, lighting, cameras or a watch to prevent arson and theft
Preparing for a fire
- Keep fire extinguishers on every floor, at exits and near hot work. See Fire Extinguishers.
- Install the standpipes as the building rises, so the fire department has water on upper floors, as the plan requires.
- Keep roads and hydrants clear and allow fire department access. See Fire Department Access.
- Post the site address, emergency contacts and a map. Have an evacuation plan and practice it. See Evacuating High-Rise Construction.
- Consider early detection such as temporary fire alarms or cameras.
If there is a fire
Raise the alarm, call 911 and get everyone out. Fight only a small fire if trained and it is safe. Meet the fire department with a headcount and tell them what is stored on site. Do not re-enter. See Incipient Fire Training.
Standards & references
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