Web Based Educational Outreach on Building Performance of Modern Construction Components During Fires

February 10, 2014

Source: USFA

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the American Wood Council (AWC), has updated a comprehensive web-based educational program developed to aid the fire service in learning more about modern construction components and technology, and the performance of these building materials during fires. This includes revision to an interactive tool on building construction available through the original web-based training program.

The purpose of this update is to create a safer operational environment for firefighters through knowledge and awareness of modern building components. These components include trusses, glue laminated beams, I-joists, structural composite lumber, structural insulated panels, and wood structural panels that are replacing dimensional lumber in many applications. Find the updated web-based program at http://woodaware.com/.

As part of this update, USFA and AWC worked with Chief Ron Coleman to create the Modern Firefighting web site, which contains an index and inventory of subject matter experts that are already researching and addressing issues of both building construction and contents. Included in this web site is a Field Guide regarding best practices that are already adopted and being executed by some fire departments throughout the United States. This web site will serve as an “ombudsman” to help guide individuals in search of contemporary information on topics associated with this field. Please visit the web site at http://dev.modernfirefighting.com/.

“AWC is pleased to assist the fire service in providing potentially life-saving information on modern construction component technologies,” said Robert Glowinski, AWC President & Chief Executive Officer. “We were proud to work with USFA in development of this program.”

AWC is the national trade association representing a majority of the wood products produced in the U.S. It serves as an international resource and clearinghouse for technical information and expertise on wood products. For this project partnership, AWC provided significant and beneficial technical outreach on critical safety issues related to the performance of these products.

Further information on this program may be found on the USFA web site.