Safeguard Your Property From Fire Risk During Construction
In 2019, Billings firefighters toured the Alberta Bair Theater as it
underwent renovations. Because the skeleton of the building was exposed,
firefighters were able to see how the structure was built and relate that
to how other buildings or homes can be vulnerable to blazes, especially
while under construction.
During the tour, the firefighters encountered a relic. A sign mounted to
the wall said, “In case of fire, cut this line”. A chain dangling from the
sign had a knife at the end. In the event of a fire, an employee would cut
the chain, triggering a “fire curtain” to fall and protect the audience
from whatever had ignited on the stage. Obviously, that system is no
longer state-of-the-art, but the idea of taking steps to mitigate fire
risk, especially while a structure is under construction or undergoing
renovations, is just as relevant today.
Construction and renovation projects are particularly susceptible to
wreckage by flames, smoke, and soot. Whether you own a home or run a
business, a blaze can severely delay your plans, cost you thousands of
dollars, and put lives at risk.
Unfortunately, these tragedies are far too common. Local fire departments
throughout the country responded to an estimated average of 3,480 fires in
structures under construction and 2,580 fires in buildings under
renovation per year from 2013 to 2017, according to the
National Fire Protection Association.