Buildings under construction are susceptible to fire for many reasons. Until a building is near completion, it’s typically unprotected by fire protection systems like sprinklers, smoke detection, fire alarms and fire walls.
Also, construction sites are frequently unsecured, making them vulnerable to trespassing, which can lead to vandalism, theft, and arson. In addition, ignition sources are common on construction sites; any lapse in adherence to safety procedures can result in damage to the site as well as adjacent buildings, putting worker, civilians, and first responders at risk.
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NFPA Journal articles
- Outside the Box - The increasingly popular option of modular construction offers innovative and efficient solutions for designers, builders, and owners. But questions persist on how the industry should be regulated, March/April 2019.
- Massive fires in buildings under construction have public safety and fire service officials alarmed. What can be done to prevent these destructive blazes? Read "Danger: Construction" from the September/October 2017 issue.
- Take steps to protect buildings under construction against arson. Read '24/7 If Necessary' from the September/October 2017 issue.
- Read the May/June 2017 feature, “Hot Work, Safe Work,” on the lessons learned from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board’s review of hot work incidents.
- The March/April 2017 article, “Burned Again,” reported on fires in properties being built by Avalon Bay in New Jersey.
NFPA codes & standards
- NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code
- NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction
- NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Resistance of Building Construction and Materials
- NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations