Jason Thomas Poremba Collapse Dangers - FEMA

Sections of my writings in the fire service have been utilized by FEMA:

Writing for FireRescue1, Jason Poremba, an experienced fire service trainer, explained that the threat of a building collapse is one of the greatest hazards in firefighting. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) verified that U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) statistics indicate the number of firefighters lost annually due to residential collapses has tripled since the 1980s.

Lieutenant Poremba reminded that structural collapses are difficult to predict and can occur without any warning. He cautioned that emergency personnel must be alert on the fire scene and aware of the signs of imminent collapse. Therefore, he recommended consideration of several factors when determining collapse potential, which have been summarized by the EMR-ISAC as follows:

•Structural inadequacy, poor construction, illegal or non-professional renovations.
•Fire size and location, and condition on arrival.
•Age of building and history of previous fire.
•Fire load to structural members.
•Backdraft or explosions.
•Engineered lumber, truss joints, and nail plates.
•Load increase as a result of water, snow, or load.
•Cutting structural members during venting operations.
•Cracks or bulges in wall.
•Water or smoke that pushes through solid masonry wall.
•Unusual noises from building or dwelling.
•Soft or spongy footing.
•Weather extremes.
The EMR-ISAC found that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends an initial "size-up" and risk assessment before any interior attack occurs, and to establish and enforce a "collapse zone." According to NIOSH, a "collapse zone" is "the distance from the fire building equal to the height of the wall," but also includes "an extra safety margin to allow for flying debris from a falling wall." More recommendations to fire departments can be seen at the NIOSH Web site.