Lightweight construction

[Fireman488 57]

On Tuesday, November 20th, at 4:36 AM, the Elmsford Fire Dept responded to the report of a possible house fire.

Upon arrival, we found the original structure fully involved, with heavy extension into the attic of Exposure D.

Both homes were modulars, with lightweight wood truss roof construction and lightweight wood truss floor construction, in some parts of the structures, but not all. Apparently some of the prefab boxes were standard floor construction and some wood truss, in a mix and match type situation; with particle board throughout rather than plywood.

Early recognition of lightweight construction, caused us to begin an exterior only operation on both structures. Shortly after this decision was made, the entire roof of Exposure D collapsed casatrophically.

These structures are really bad news: they burn very hot and very fast, in addition to collapsing very early into operations.

Extreme caution needs to be exercised when operating at them.

Fire scene photos available on our website: www.elmsfordfd.com

Stay safe,

Syd Henry

Assistant Chief

Elmsford Fire Dept.

Edited November 30, 2007 by Fireman488

[gss131 212]

I think when a modular is constructed ,the house should be noted by the fire dept. as a hazard.If anyone sees one built in their neighborhood,stop and ask if you can peek inside before its patched up.What you will find is in fact a "cockloft " between the 1st and 2nd floors that allows fire spread from 1 end of the house to the other end in all directions,and to boot the 2nd floor itself is built on 2x4 lightweight truss with gusset plates.The thing that is unbelievable is the local codes call for firecaulk in all vertical holes,wire,pipes etc.but they allow for these nightmares to be built.You'll also find "future " shafts built in that go from the basement to the attic,in case the owner wants to put in central air .,so you can have a basement job go to the attic in no time.And like the chief said,alot of these roofs are lightweight truss so theycan lift them up easier.

[FFD941 20]

Here are a couple of great resources involving Wooden Trusses....

Dutchess Community College Fire Science Program

NYS Truss Identification Law Power Point

As Francis Brannigan always said "Know Your Enemy"

If you haven't read/glanced through his book on Building Construction For The Fire Service...It is definately worth it.

Building Construction For The Fire Service

[R1SmokeEater 359]

"What you will find is in fact a "cockloft " between the 1st and 2nd floors that allows fire spread from 1 end of the house to the other end in all directions.........."

I have it in my place- a "Trussloft" in between floors, quite signifigant in size. This new lightweight construction will be here to haunt us for years, and change our tactics as time goes on !

[xfirefighter484x 234]

The saddest part of it all, is that lightweight construction IS a good thing.....

For contractors and homeowners that is. Pre-engineered structural members that are designed to support loads of high rated quantities, they ARE strong.

BUT....

They are NOT designed with fire safety in mind. As soon as fire/heat is introduced, they are compromised, and as we all know, one portion of the system of trusses fail, the whole truss fails.

So, from an economical POV, they are superior to conventional construction, but from a fire service

POV, they are killers in hiding!!

Edited December 1, 2007 by xfirefighter484x

[FFD941 20]

If anyone is iterested travel Northbound on Violet Ave in Hyde Park and two buildings are being renovated using Light Weight Wooden Trusses...

1-Gas Station across from the Old Hoe Bowl

2-Church at the intersection of Yates Ave and Violet Ave

[firecapt32 282]

Quick identification of these buildings come froms Chiefs and Officers that are on top of their game. A mistake from the Elmsford FD Chief might have been costly, but the only cost now is the rebuilding of the homes,not hospital cost for injured firefighters. The handleing of that fire was a great job by every one invloved.

In the simplest terms they got there--got there safely did their jobs--did it well and everyone went home to their loved ones. no one can ask for more from the fire service.