Modern day building construction has progressed over centuries with the incorporation of new construction methods. This includes the various building types, designs of structures, and the application of building and fire codes. The effect of building construction has changed how firefighting operations are conducted, the hazards associated with building types, and the effects of fire on each type. The potential for building collapse remains a safety issue for firefighters and situation awareness must remain a top priority on the fireground. Scene size-up is a tool firefighter use to better understand an emergency by gathering as much information based on the general impression. Today, firefighters must train and understand the unique building
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The emergence of building codes in the early 1900s further advance the elimination of conflagrations. The adoption of such codes strived to contain fires not only to a structure but eventually within the structure (Corbett & Brannigan, 2015). Tragic fires at the MGM Grand in 1980 and the Station Nightclub in 2003 led to more recent requirements for fire protection, including sprinkler systems, exit lighting and limits on explosives and pyrotechnics (Vaughan & Turner, 2013). Building and national fire code standards are evaluated, updated or changed every 3 years. The new changes are geared to improve life safety and fireground operations. Lesson learned from many tragic fire events have aided in the need for code development cycles. Managing the fireground risk begins with the code hearings and enforcement to reduce the line-of-duty firefighter deaths and injuries. International Code Council (ICC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Life Safety Code 101 have been instrumental in reducing firefighter and occupant
The emergence of building codes in the early 1900s further advance the elimination of conflagrations. The adoption of such codes strived to contain fires not only to a structure but eventually within the structure (Corbett & Brannigan, 2015). Tragic fires at the MGM Grand in 1980 and the Station Nightclub in 2003 led to more recent requirements for fire protection, including sprinkler systems, exit lighting and limits on explosives and pyrotechnics (Vaughan & Turner, 2013). Building and national fire code standards are evaluated, updated or changed every 3 years. The new changes are geared to improve life safety and fireground operations. Lesson learned from many tragic fire events have aided in the need for code development cycles. Managing the fireground risk begins with the code hearings and enforcement to reduce the line-of-duty firefighter deaths and injuries. International Code Council (ICC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Life Safety Code 101 have been instrumental in reducing firefighter and occupant