Fire sprinkler systems that are designed, installed, and maintained properly are a very effective means of property protection, life safety protection, and fire fighter safety.  The documented reliability is also high for these systems.  Reality is not quite the same though.  Statistics and documented reliability do not include in-depth investigations that often produce different results Read more about Installation Problems for Fire Sprinkler Systems[…]

This is corrosion. Click on “Corrosion” title above to see the video.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! As you plan your Thanksgiving menu don’t forget about fire safety. Did you know Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? The number of home fires double on Thanksgiving. So, let’s add a pinch of fire safety to the menu. Keep these safety tips in mind as Read more about Thanksgiving fire safety resources[…]

Introduction Fire protection systems that are designed, installed, inspected, tested, and maintained properly are exceptional tools to protect lives, property, and the fire service.  Losses, large and small, from fire or water damage, accentuate that these systems are not designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of the fire codes and associated Read more about A More In-Depth Look into Fire Protection System Failures is Required[…]

As professional engineers we have a code of ethics to perform only in our area of expertise based upon education and experience. Many take this seriously when designing plumbing systems, mechanical systems, and building structures.  Unfortunately frequently professional engineers do not take seriously the specification of fire sprinkler systems and the associated water supplies, fire Read more about Ethics and Fire and Life Safety System Specifications[…]

Nobody wants anything to go wrong.  Unfortunately, in the fire protection industry, when something does go wrong, it is big news, and when it goes right, it isn’t news at all.  Fire and life safety, including people’s lives, property, livelihoods, and firefighter safety, are not issues to be taken lightly. Many of the following thoughts apply Read more about If it can go wrong, it might . . .[…]

Almost all newly built commercial or industrial buildings require automatic fire sprinkler systems for life safety, the protection of the property, the safety of the firefighters, and to minimize business interruption.  These systems are designed and installed as prescribed in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems or NFPA Read more about Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems[…]

Sprinkler contractors and contractor associations might want to consider the potential educational opportunities that come from the results of fire and loss investigations conducted by fire protection engineers.  Based upon investigations into the operation of sprinkler systems and failures of sprinkler systems (did not control a fire, sprinkler operated without a fire, water loss from Read more about Lessons Learned From Sprinkler System Investigations[…]

         Figure 1 – Kitchen Fire All image credits: Scott Futrell This is the final in a series of articles that will summarize restaurant fire prevention. Don’t let your kitchen, restaurant, and livelihood end up like the one in Figure 1 above.  Practice fire prevention! Fire safety in your kitchen and your restaurant Read more about Food Managers Alert: For Restaurant Fire Hazards #5[…]

This is the fourth in a series of articles that look specifically at the hazards that Scott Futrell, fire protection engineer, has provided to assist you in protecting your customers, businesses and employees. What can you do to protect your investment or your facility? The Minnesota State Fire Code requires you to maintain your fire Read more about Food Managers Alert: For Restaurant Fire Hazards #4[…]

Figure 1 – Post-Fire Solid Fuel Appliance Image credit: Futrell Fire Consult & Design, Inc. Owners and food services managers must consider more than just food safety to protect employees and customers. This is the third in a series of articles that look specifically at one of the hazards that Scott Futrell, fire protection engineer, Read more about Food Managers Alert: For Restaurant Fire Hazards #3[…]

Figure 1 – Kitchen Hood with Black Steel Pipe All image credits: Scott Futrell As food safety and restaurant managers, you are trained to create a safe eating experience for your guests. Delivering food safe for human consumption includes many variables.  Sometimes overlooked are the grease and creosote cleaning and fire protection requirements in the commercial Read more about Food Managers Alert: For Restaurant Fire Hazards #2[…]

Image credit: Futrell Fire Consult & Design, Inc. – This fire, in a restaurant, started during the cooking process in the cook line under the exhaust hood. The suppression system failed to suppress the fire, but the manual pull station was not used by the occupants. The fire burned thru the roof and the roof Read more about Food Managers Alert: For Restaurant Fire Hazards #1[…]

Sprinkler systems may be our best choice in the struggle between fire, life safety, and property protection, but water damage, happening on, or shortly after, a cold winter day, can be very expensive for property owners and occupants, and need not involve a fire.  There are a number of factors that can contribute to a Read more about Weather-Related Water Damage Due to Automatic Sprinkler Systems May Be Preventable[…]

In 1975 I left college and returned home to decide whether or not I wanted to continue down the path as a Civil Engineering student.  My parents, as most would, told me to find a job and within a few weeks I found employment with Blackhawk Automatic Sprinkler Company in Waterloo, Iowa.  Don Warner hired Read more about Hydraulic Calculations from 1975[…]

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has put together an educational video for children (but also applicable to adults) called: “Firefighting’s Weird History and Fascinating Future”.

In cooperation with the CPSC and Health Canada, GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Ltd. is recalling 3.4 million dehumidifies. (850,000 were sold in Canada) The recall indicates that the dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing a fire and burn hazard. Sold from January 2003 through December 2013, GD Midea has received 38 reports Read more about CPSC Recall of GD Midea Dehumidifiers, Recall Release 17-024[…]

It is time to reevaluate the relevance and effectiveness of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, NFPA 25. This standard implies that it is the basis for maintaining automatic fire sprinkler systems, a basic and essential fire and life safety system that is required Read more about Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems – Relevant or Not[…]

Growing up I watched stock cars run on a dirt track and then for a summer I followed a driver and his car from track to track sometimes seeing three nights of racing a week.  Now, almost fifty years later I watch NASCAR and Indy cars and go to races when I have an opportunity. Read more about Fire Codes or Race Car Specifications – Which One Is Most Important?[…]