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Building Construction Follow Up

Looking back on my building construction course I'm struck that there are certain topics that have come up repeatedly throughout my fire service education so far and new topics in each course.  My takeaway is that certain areas of knowledge are keys understanding topics and deserve reiteration, some such topics are: Building classifications and in particular the dangers associated with modern lightweight wood construction. Our IFSTA text points out that " Structures with light and engineered materials are the most common types of buildings in most jurisdictions, and they have a high potential for sudden, catastrophic structural failure."(Building Construction Related to the Fire Service, 210) Roof types and dangers associated with certain types over others with regards to catastrophic collapse. The importance of having a general understanding of how buildings are constructed in order to better understand their dangers and better prepare strategies and tactics o...
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Oakland fire in substandard building kills 4

Article on initial report of the fire Article on the substandard conditions of the building Back in 2017 not long after the catastrophic Ghost Ship fire in Oakland this fire broke out, it spoke to me because it appears the loss of life could have been prevented or likely reduced if the building owners had followed fire department recommendations.  A few things stand out about the building fire protection systems and modifications to exits in particular that contributed to loss of life: Fire alarm had been pulled and not reset No fire extinguishers present Locked exit door to fire escape Trash piled on the floor This building was known to be substandard by the fire department and had been visited several times.  Recommendations including shutting down the building were made however none were carried out.  It appears to me that greed of the building owner outweighed any concern for fire life safety.
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Building Construction for Fire Protection - key takeaways so far

Here are some of the key areas covered by the course so far: Basic building construction concepts as they relate to fire protection. Major variables in building construction that will influence firefighting operations. Earthquakes and how building construction and other ways of preparing for the "big one" will effect the outcome. Standard building classifications of fire resistance. Building design and construction elements that influence building loads and stresses. Overview of building codes and those relating to the wildland urban interface. One topic we've covered that I find particularly important to me as related to me career path is the wildland urban interface.  Because I have a history in wildland firefighting and a desire to be part of a department with a large focus on wildland and WUI operations I find it particularly applicable to me.  Within my career path I'm at the point where I'm looking at the possibility of transitioning to a seasona...
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My fire career path so far

I'm working on a career transition, it's no easy task! After ten years away from the fire service I'm looking to return, this time I want to build on my time as a wildland firefighter with the US Forest Service and be involved at the all-risk level. Here's my timeline: ◾Commit to the career change ◾Go to EMT School and get my license ◾Get BLS EMT experience ◾Complete firefighter 1 academy ◾Start volunteering as a firefighter I’m here! ◾Apply for seasonal and full-time firefighter/EMT, make connections ◾Get seasonal or full-time fire job ◾Get work experience in EMS and fire ◾Keep learning and pursue advancement I'm under no illusion that my plan will not need adjustments and I have no clear idea how long I will be on my path to full-time service.   There are a few other things I'm doing along the way such as: Interview preparation through reading books on the subject and practice Going on ride-a-longs as much as I can...
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