By Battalion Chief John L. Walser

While it is entirely too early to know what caused the fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral, it is a stark reminder of the fire hazards in buildings under construction or renovation.

Several fires involving large wooden buildings under construction have occurred in recent years. However, there are fire hazards at all construction types, regardless of the type of construction materials.

Buildings under construction, or being renovated, present a higher risk to damage from fire. Significant reasons for this higher risk:

• Many fires occur when the building is most vulnerable – before sheathing, fire protection systems and fire walls are in place.
• Construction sites may not be entirely secure, which may lead to vandalism and intentionally set fires.
• Construction sites have many ignition sources, such as heaters and hot work (welding, soldering and roofing).

What are the best practices that can prevent, or at least minimize the damage from fire? Several considerations to protect a building under construction are:

• On-site security after construction has ended for the day.
• Video monitoring of the construction site.
• Motion activated lighting.
• Access for firefighting apparatus and firefighting water must be provided.
• Early involvement of fire protection system contractors to have permitted systems installed early in the construction process.
• Daily survey of site one hour after work has ended.
• Daily removal of debris from job site.
• Prior to installation of active fire suppression systems, consider other detection mechanisms for early alerting of the fire department.
• Ensure a fire safety plan is in place and workers receive regular training.
• Appointment of a Fire Prevention Program Manager.
• Notify the fire department as soon as a fire is suspected, do not try to fight it first.

NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations provides detailed guidance on best practices that can be employed at construction sites. Compliance with this document is not optional and is a requirement in Virginia. This document provides a template to help manage and mitigate risk from fire.

These are a few of the considerations for when a building is under construction or alteration. Simple measures and adherence to safety procedures may prevent a devastating loss from fire and limit risk of injury and death to workers, civilians and firefighters.

For additional questions please contact the Fairfax County Fire Prevention Division, 703-246-4800, TTY 711.