Fire and the Building Environment - Case Study Example

Name : xxxxxxxxxxx Institution : xxxxxxxxxxx Tutor : xxxxxxxxxxx Title : Fire and the building Environment Course : xxxxxxxxxxx @2009 Fire in building Introduction Over the past few decades Fire rescue services in England, Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland have contributed significantly in improving the safety of local communities as far fire is concerned. Nevertheless, a number of challenges revolving around fire engineering issues counter the Fire and rescue services. The response of these fire departments has been solemnized by professionalism, commitment and flexibility. Environmental, economic and social factors present further challenges for the service. The fatality rates in England, Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland that come as a result of fire have drastically gone down (Britain 2007). This paper seeks to present a comprehensive outlook and analysis of four fire cases in England, Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland. It will discuss fire safety engineering issues in the four case studies in reference to buildings of varying types and levels of occupancy. Moreover, this paper will seek to give my concise opinion on the lessons learnt from the four case studies and possible recommendations for preventing the possibilities of similar fire cases in future. Stoke Rochford Hall fire tragic in England Prior to the fire tragic in 2005, the Stoke Rochford Hall was a conference and banqueting centre located in the Victorian country house. The centre had 183 bedrooms that were fully equipped with fire training and conference facilities. Tragically, the Hall was engulfed by a severe fire that nearly destroyed the entire building. It was reported it took over 120 fire fighters camping at the fire scene to put off the fire. Consequently, property of unknown value was destroyed and the magnificent design of the hall was altered. The hall was presumably designed by William Burn, a Scottish architect in the early 1840’s (William 2005). It was alleged that the fire started in one of the upper floors of the building and it gradually spread to three other floors at the roof of the building. The level of destruction was to an extent that fire fighters had to withdraw from the hall due to the danger posed by the falling of the debris a result of the collapsed roof. Despite the fact that the actual extent of the damage caused by the fire was unknown it was evident that the library and the grand hall were extensively affected. The fire fighters deployed at the scene of the fire incidents played a great role in ensuring that no persons or staff at the hall was injured as a result of the fire tragic. They also ensured that the fire is contained and thus it does not spread to the rest of the building. Furthermore, the fire fighters present as the scene ensured that there is less property damage. As a safety measure, all persons were evacuated from the building. The fire fighting team made a rapid evaluation of the extent in which the fire had spread across the building. Thereafter, they embarked on a rapid and specific health support response incase there were injuries that resulted from the fire outbreak. The fire rescue services at the scene of the tragic were characterized painstaking and strategic efforts to contain and prevent fire (William 2005). Despite the fact that this fire tragic did not reach a catastrophic proportion, the fire tragic inherently presented characteristic aspects of a distinguished disaster due to its highly destructive nature. It was apparent that the fire outbreak in the Stoke Rochford Hall was not proportionate since some of the areas were not affected. The massive production of heat and emanation of fumes and gases brought about suffocating actions to the fire fighters and the persons in the immediate surroundings. The contact of fire with other materials further increased the emission of harmful fumes. As the fire spread on the building a king sized roof fell thus forcing the fire fighters to retreat from their mission. The sequence of actions that followed minimized the spread of the fire. The technical aspects that were incorporated in warding off the Stoke Rochford Hall fire tragic can be termed as appropriate since the range of fire fighting equipments used were sufficient and effective. Automatic sprinklers, smoke ejectors and extinguishers among many other types of equipment were used to avert and contain the fire. The operational aspects incorporated to ward off the Stoke Rochford Hall fire tragic were distinctively commendable since the fire fighting work force competently coordinated their rescue services ranging from self-relief efforts and definite first –aid measures. The implementation of their rescue services followed a well defined standard plan that is line with the quality and standard assurance policies in the fire and rescue services (William 2005). Rose park home fire incident in Scotland Prior to the fire incidence the Rosepark care home catered for dependant residence. The home was renowned for it homely atmosphere in the local community. The home comprised of spacious bedroom accommodation on two floors. Key investigators in the Rosepark care home attributed the presumed fire outbreak to an electrical fault. The fire led to the death of 14 elderly residents. The investigations further disclosed that the alarm systems of the home were working even before the fire outbreak this indicates that the first fire signal was in a sensitive area that caused rapid transmission to other areas. In addition the direction in which the heat was derived was unknown. The investigation report also established that the electrical malfunction took place in a corridor cupboard whereby most of the residents who died in the fire incident slept. The attending nurse on the night of the fire incident reported that in the instance that the alarm went off, the fire board signaled that the fire outbreak was in area next to the main entrance in the grounds floor. Nevertheless, there were no signs of fire even after even after checking the rooms and as a result she turned off the alarms. The alarm immediately sounded, this time indicating that the fire outbreak was in the extreme of the building. Over the course time, the extreme dense of fire fumes and smoke suffocated the occupants of the building thus leading to their deaths (Masellis, Ferrara & Gunn 1999). Rescue efforts in the tragic fire incident were played a vital role in ensuring that the fire did not spread further and that that lives were saved. Sadly, this fire incident consumed 14 lives and caused extensive damages to the homecare facilities. It is alleged that fire fighters did their level best to avert the fire nonetheless Scotland fire masters recommended that sprinkler systems need to be fitted in care homes so as to prevent such tragic fire events from occurring. Fire fighters deployed at the scene of the fire embarked on a health support response in a bid to counter the cases injuries subjected to the fire victims as a result the fire outbreak. Subsequent to a rapid assessment of the extent in which the fire had spread across the building, the fire fighting team embarked on the task of rescuing persons in the various compartments at the home and extinguishing fire (Britain 2007). A paramount phenomenon in the rescue effort of the Rosepark care home fire tragic was the rapid evaluation and care of the viable victims. In spite of the death cases the overall evaluation of the damage was on the basis of the number of victims who were in a condition of critical risk of mortality and disability. The inhalation of fumes and combustion gases greatly jeopardize the survival of the fire victims in the compartments of the home care. Moreover, the inhalation of fumes and combustion gases jeopardized the rescue efforts of the fire fighters. Technically, the fire fighting team was limited as the lacked sufficient fire fighting equipments such as smoke ejectors consequently, the inhalation of smoke and combustion gases jeopardized the rescue efforts of the fire fighters. The operational efforts contain the fire and rescue fire victims in the various compartments of the homecare were well coordinated despite the fact that the damages were relatively great. The execution of the rescue services was in line with the quality and standard assurance policies in the fire and rescue services (National Audit Office 2000). North Ireland fire blaze The Omagh blaze is considered as Northern Ireland’s worst fire tragedy, it allegedly claimed seven lives. The tragic event brings about horrific memories to survivors and the close acquaintances of the victims. After the neighbors had raised alarms, the Northern Ireland fire and rescue services came in and conducted a rapid evaluation of the extent in which the fire had spread. It was presumed that the fire outbreak came as a result of a mixture between white spirits and petrol that was poured on the hall way from inside the house, the fire claimed the lives of seven family members. In the course of their routine check, three burnt bodies were identified inside the building. It is believed that the victims who died in the fire were overwhelmed by the smoke and combustion fumes that came as a result of the fire. . Forensic evaluations identified that there was significant acceleration discovered in the building. Thereafter, the fire and rescue team embarked on a rapid and specific health support response to counter the injuries that resulted from the fire outbreak. The fire rescue services at the scene of the tragic were characterized painstaking and strategic efforts to contain and prevent fire (Coleman 2007). South Wales steel plant explosion A major fire explosion occurred at the South Wales steel plant furnace in Port Talbot. It was reported that one person died as 18 people were subjected to serious injuries following the explosion at the steel plant. Residents in the neighboring area reported that they heard explosions which were later followed by blasts of fires. The Port Talbot steel plant is known for its extensive and well built steel surfaces that houses over 3000 employees. Evidently, emergency planning and fire explosion response require a more advanced and scientific elaboration. Rescue phases of responding to fire explosions require effective managerial systems that revolve around preparedness and prevention. The response of the fire and rescue services during the South Wales steel plant explosion can be termed as relatively effectual. The fire and rescue services deployed at the fire scene worked tirelessly to ensure that the explosion is contained. This was actualized through a rapid assessment of the building and the extent of the explosion. Moreover, in the course of the fire rescue service a rapid health response was conducted in a bid to counter the emerging injuries and fatality cases. Additionally, the rescue operation conducted a selective evacuation of the persons in the disaster zone. Lessons leant from the fire case studies In reference to the highlighted fire case studies in England, Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland, substantial lessons can be drawn from these incidents. If put into account these lessons can lead towards the improvement of the fire and rescue services. Key lessons leant from these case studies revolve around disaster preparedness. Disaster preparedness entails prediction, planning and management of emerging disasters. This can be actualized through holistic and practice application training. Individuals and the society at large need to be involved in ensuring that buildings or premises in which they reside have fire safety measures that are effective. For instance, buildings and premises should have safety measures such the existence of emergency doors, alarms and fire fighting devices in the premises so as to counter emergency fire out breaks (Cote 2003). Recommendations on preventing possible fire outbreaks Operational fire fighters should regularly conduct inspections on building that pose high risks of fire outbreak. Fire and rescue services need to ensure that fire fighters deployed in fire scene are fully equipped with appropriate equipments such as fire ground communication equipments so that they are in a better position to extinguish fire and rescue fire victims. Moreover, the fire and rescue services should introduce a holistic analysis on the training needs of that their work force. This will ensure that they are able to identify areas that require refresher training for emergency responses. The refresher trainings could touch on operational preparedness, in case of an emergency response. Fire fighters should undergo adequate specialist training that revolves around risk assessment and building construction, breathing apparatus, ventilation, high risk fires and compartments (Cote 2003). It is imperative that the management of the fire and rescue services should review the effects of duties and excessive work load on fighters. Subsequent to reviewing the work sheets of the fire fighters the management should ensure that the work force is not subjected to excessive workload as this will limit their efficiency in fire fighting and rescue tasks. . Fire and rescue services needs to acknowledge its needs and limitations in emergency intervention since this an essential role. It is worth noting that the fire and rescue service subjects its employees to risks of death and injury. Over the past years the preventive activity in the fire and rescue has received great priority. Nonetheless responding to the emerging emergencies is inherently a high risk task therefore the risk posed to fire fighters need to be out rightly considered. The management or the leadership of these services should come up with suitable strategies of promoting safe work systems by ring fencing human and financial resources to deliver these strategies. Fire and rescue services need to ensure that generic risk assessments, procedures and policies are reviewed and updated so that the recent lessons learnt from fatalities and destruction caused as a result of fire are reflected. They should also ensure that safe work systems are implemented and that committed and sufficient numbers of fire fighters are deployed in fire incidents. Furthermore, the fire and rescue services needs to negotiate protocols and policies that protect the rights and needs of the union (Masellis1991). Due to the fact that the Fire and Rescue service policy and regulations are devolved the various government factions should loin hands in ensuring that there is a common approach in UK and its outcasts as far as operational and development matters are concerned. Moreover, under the Fire Safety order the government should impose duty on property owners and employers attached to premises with high risks. It should be mandatory that buildings or premises should have safety measure such the existence of emergency doors, alarms and fire fighting devices in the premises so as to counter emergency fire out breaks. Government and non governmental departments should provide support to the Fire and Rescue services by providing resources and financial support. Their support is invaluable since fire equipments are expensive and in order fire fighting and rescue tasks to be effective necessary man power is needed. Moreover, the government and other organizations need to provide substantial and critical national safety guidance against fire outbreaks. This goal can be actualized by providing regular operational training to the public (Compton & Granito 2002). Bibliography Britain, G, 2007, Fire and rescue service manual, Volume 2, The Stationery Office, UK. Coleman, M, 2007, North Ireland’s Worst ever house fire awakens painful memories of the past. Retrieved on November 27, 2009 < http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-irelands-worst-ever-house-fire-awakens-painful-memories-of-past-13493783.html> Compton, D & Granito, J, 2002, Managing fire and rescue services, International County Management Association, New York. Cote, E, 2003, Organizing for Fire and Rescue Services, Jones & Bartlett Publishers, UK. Masellis, M, Ferrara, M & Gunn, S, 1999, Fire Disaster and Burn Disaster: Planning and Management. Retrieved on November 27, 2009 Masellis, M, 1991, Thermal agent disaster and fire disaster: Definition, damage, assessment and relief operations, Ann. Medit. Burns Club, 4: 215-8. National Audit Office, 2000, New Dimension: Enhancing the Fire and Rescue Services Capacity to Respond to Terrorist and Other Large-scale Incidents, the Stationery Office, UK. William, P, 2005, Fire engulfs Stoke Rochford Hall. Retrieved on November 27, 2009 < http://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/FIRE-ENGULFS-STOKE-ROCHFORD-HALL.928439.jp> Read More