Commercial Construction Fire Hazards

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial properties often have fire safety and prevention systems in place.  An effective system will incorporate three main elements: detection, control, and extinguishing. Components of these three things can include but are not limited to:  fire & smoke alarms throughout the building, fire extinguishers throughout the building, sprinkler systems, fire/smoke curtains that drop down and contain smoke to certain areas and help hinder spread of the fire. 

However, when a commercial building is under construction, these things do not yet exist.  This means that commercial buildings under construction can be at increased risk of fire.  In addition, according to the U.S. fire Administration, “Buildings under construction or renovation are at their most vulnerable and weakest condition.  Accumulation of waste combustibles, limited access, minimal water supply and hazardous operations increase the challenge.  Add to this the effects of firefighting operations, increased water weight, weakened metal and support structures, and hidden hot spots, and you have a formula for disaster waiting to happen.”  For tips on fire prevention at buildings under renovation or construction visit: 

Fire prevention at buildings under renovation or construction (fema.gov)