TECHNICAL
FIRE PREVENTION
COMES FIRST IN NEW CONSTRUCTION
Fire prevention goes beyond the sprinkler system of todays buildings. It encompasses the very materials that are used in the construction of the buildings we plan to occupy. Many people think that a sprinkler system is enough to protect human life and property, but with todays modern materials for the construction of a building, fire safety is an even more serious issue now than it was 20 or 30 years ago, says Jack Prazeres, President of MasonryWorx. Within one minute a house can be completely over-run by fire. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken during the buildings planning phase that will help prevent the spread and damage of fire, should it ever occur. The ideal measure is to use a masonry product in the construction of a home or building. Masonry resists fire and provides high fire-resistance ratings and residual postfire strength. A structure built with masonry will not only help prevent the spread of fire, but will give the building the best chance of remaining standing after the fire has been extinguished. To better protect occupants in the event of a fire, MasonryWorx has outlined three components of a balanced-design approach to building construction that will help prevent the spread of fire: Containment: A fire containment system is constructed of structural walls, floors and ceilings of masonry and concrete that provides 2 to 4 hours of protection from fire. Referred to as compartmentalization, this system divides the structure into smaller areas in high-hazard zones to control the fire until it can be extinguished. To further limit the extent and spread of fire and smoke, noncombustible exterior walls help prevent the fire from spreading outside of the structure and, with the right material such as brick, block or stone, will add no additional toxic fumes to the smoke. Detection System: This system uses smoke detectors to warn occupants when smoke or a fire has been detected and alerts occupants and the fire department. Suppression: An automatic suppression system using sprinklers will control or extinguish the fire until emergency responders arrive on the scene. The balanced-design approach is a three step system that works together to protect the building from fire damage. Th e c o m b i n a t i o n o f d e t e c t i o n , compartmentalization and containment, gives occupants the best possible chance of escaping while also potentially lowering the overall fire damage. According to Prazeres, during a fire, a masonry wall will continue to carry loads long after its established fire-resistance period has been reached, and will also resist damage from high-pressure water streams used by firefighters to extinguish the fire. Woodframed buildings will not withstand this pressure, or hold up in the event of this kind of emergency, but rather add fuel to the fire. Less damage, less loss of life, and fewer fires to begin with, are the ultimate goals of firefighters and homeowners alike. Safe, structurally sound, fire-resistant homes and communities are something that we all want and should be able to count on, says Michael McSweeney, President and CEO of the Cement Association. In B.C., where a decision to allow woodframed housing in excess of four
2013 SPECIAL EDITION 45
FIRE RESISTANCE
A masonry wall will continue to carry loads long after its established fireresistance period has been reached, and will also resist damage from highpressure water streams used by firefighters to extinguish the fire.
masonryworx.com
TECHNICAL
A fire containment system is constructed of structural walls, floors and ceilings of masonry and concrete that provides 2 to 4 hours of protection from fire.
storeys has been enacted, one of the first such buildings in construction set the skyline ablaze in May 2011. The six-storey housing project, which burned down in a fire that engulfed an entire block of a residential neighbourhood of Richmond, caused $60 million in damage. Human life and the safety of our neighbourhoods are at question here, says Bill McEwen, Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of B.C. Engineered wood products, which are used extensively in these types of buildings, are fabricated with glue, and can burn faster than regular wood
46 2013 SPECIAL EDITION
products. McEwen further stated on the scene of the fire, If these buildings had been constructed of concrete block, we would not be here today. So far, Ontarios building code does not allow woodframed housing over four storeys, but legislation has been proposed that would allow six-storey and above construction in Ontario. In two to four storey construction, woodframe is common and fire prevention and containment methods are critical. The balanced design approach is one of the
best methods of fire safety; it will stand the test of time and secure the safety of homeowners for many decades to come. Building with masonry exteriors and utilizing concrete block in foundations and dividing walls can go a long way to fire-proofing our homes, condos and commercial buildings. We urge residents to consider the question: What materials do I want in the construction of the building where my family lives or works? says Prazeres. Masonry makes sense because it increases resale value, is energy efficient, and it protects your family.
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