Quantification of Green Building Features on Fire Fighter Safety

In 2010, the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) published a report on issues associated with sustainable building and development which are of concern to fire fighters. While this effort identified a number of community planning and building features of concern, data on the actual extent of the problem and specific means to resolve the issues at the various stages of building planning, design, construction and operation were not detailed.

Based on the analysis that was conducted as part of the FPRF project, as well as data and information provided in research by NASFM, NIST, UL and others, there are clear indications of increased fire hazards and risks for firefighters associated with green buildings and green building elements, which if not understood, quantified and mitigated, will continue to lead to firefighter injuries and deaths. Outcomes from this effort will contribute directly to reducing the potential for fire ground injuries and deaths by facilitating recognition of green building related hazards and adopting tactical responses appropriate to expected fire environments and structural performance given contemporary construction and fire loads.