Property Design
The type of design that goes into the construction of a property largely determines how much damage a fire can cause. Buildings should ideally have a simple architectural framework with minimal surface area.
- When the surface area is less, the number of oxygen molecules that can collide with the surface is kept to a minimum and this reduces the speed at which the fire burns.
- Besides a larger surface area, buildings with complicated designs have more heat traps – areas where the flames and heat from a fire get pinned down.
- Buildings with simple designs are easier to protect while in a complex architectural structure, there are more number of factors to consider.
Roofs, Vents and Chimneys
Roofs provide maximum protection against wildfires when they are constructed with a simple design. Hipped roofs or straight, gabled roofs expose a minimal amount of surface area to the approaching fire. Additionally, the lack of intricate designs with complex shapes and structures ensures that heat and hot gases don’t get blocked in corners.
Metal screens can prevent large burning objects from entering the property through vents. Stone patios, concrete walls and similar fire resistant structures can further protect vents that face the downward slope of the ground.
A steel or metal hood surmounted on a woven wire mesh casing placed on top of the chimney can stop small external burning objects from entering the property through the chimney flue or vice versa – small burning objects from inside the property flying outside through the chimney.
Eaves and Soffits
The extreme end of a roof that extends beyond the exterior wall of a building is known as an eave. When the hot air and gases from an approaching fire collide against the outside walls of a building, they are deflected upwards and get trapped under the eaves.
The gap beneath the eave and the outer wall can be enclosed with a soffit to prevent this from happening. Ensure that soffits are constructed perpendicular to the outer wall.
Decks
Fires have a natural tendency to climb upwards and this is particularly harmful for decks – structures that are usually found facing the downward slope of an inclined terrain. Conventional wood decks are designed in such a manner that the heat and hot gases from an approaching fire easily gets trapped in the open spaces below the deck.
A stone or concrete patio can be built below the deck so that combustible materials don’t get below the deck. This patio can be further fortified with a supporting concrete wall that keeps the radiant heat and hot gases from the fire at bay.
Windows
Glass windows crack easily when exposed to the various elements of wildfire. Small glass windows, when cracked, tend to stay in place within a window frame better than larger glass windows. Metal shutters can provide windows an extra layer of protection and also hold out fires for an extra 20 minutes.
Smoke detectors
More often than not, deadly wildfires catch us unaware at night while we are resting. Smoke detectors are an important addition that can greatly reduce the risk of fatalities in the event of fire accidents.
Make sure they are installed in strategic positions in the establishment such that the alarm is heard loud and clear when it goes off. In a multistory building, there should be one alarm for every floor.
Home Sprinkler Systems
An essential addition in any property regardless of value, home sprinkler systems should be installed by trained personnel in accordance with regulatory norms and requirements. Sprinklers systems have reduced the fatality rates during fires by more than 80 percent. Firefighters themselves have a better chance of putting out a fire that occurs in properties with sprinkler systems as they are exposed to less danger and injury. Further, sprinkler systems can contain a fire from spreading. This allows firefighters to direct more of their attention towards the source of the fire.
Assessing the Potential Hazards to a Property
A comprehensive property assessment helps in identifying the gaps in a property’s construction and design. Any attempt at assessing a property’s vulnerability to damage in the event of a fire accident should essentially address the following criteria.
- Property entries and exits
- How many entry and exit roads are there?
- Are the roads wide enough for fire engines?
- What is the all weather road condition? (Surfaced or non-surfaced road, other types)
- Is the property easily accessible for the Fire Service?
- Are there street signs present?
- Vegetation
- How heavy is the overgrowth in and around the property?
- Is there sufficient defensible space in and around the property?
- What are the flammable plants, trees, shrubs and grass types that grow in and around the property?
- Slope
- What is the inclination of the slope within a 300 ft radius of the property?
- Roof Material
- Has the roof been constructed with Class A, B or C material?
- Building Design
- Materials (Combustible/Non combustible)
- In case there is a slope of 30% or more – What is the horizontal distance of the building from the base or the top of the slope?
- Fire Response
- Is Water readily and easily available?
- How far is the nearest fire station from the property?
- Where are Gas and Electricity related utilities located?
- Below the surface
- Below and above the surface
- Above the surface