MOS 5301 Fire Technology Case Study 8.docx - Running head:...

Running head: FIRE PROTECTION DETECTION & SUPPRESSION STSTEMS 1
FIRE PROTECTION DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
ROBERT L. BARKER
COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
MOS 5301 FIRE PROTECTION UNIT 8

FIRE PROTECTION DETECTION & SUPPRESSION STSTEMS 2
FIRE PROTECTION DETECTION & SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
Executive Summary
The City of Washington Warehouse Distribution fire that occurred, could have been
prevented if corrective measures were taken prior to any construction. Several factors
contributed to the fire, from improperly stored combustible chemicals, a fire suppression system
that was insufficient to meet the needs of the facility and oversight of building renovation codes.
So, the fire happened resulting in catastrophic property damage putting people’s lives in danger
as well as the fire fighters.
The fire suppression system that was installed met the requirements prior to renovation
but during renovation corners were cut and updates were overlooked. The system should have
been completely upgraded, from the fire pump to the sprinkler system. The fire pump should
have been replaced with a diesel-powered pump and the water distribution system should have
been updated to use a combination of both public and private water systems. The sprinklers
should have been replaced with early suppression fast response sprinklers (ESFR) and the
standpipe and hose system should have been upgraded to a Class III automatic wet system.
Additionally, the FACU that should have been in place would have had various notification
(audible, visual, textual) both automatic and manual alarms with electrical surge protection
device(s) to protect the system.

FIRE PROTECTION DETECTION & SUPPRESSION STSTEMS 3
Contributing factors to the fire and the fire suppression system
There were several factors that contributed to the facility being ill prepared for dealing
with the fire that took place. Management for one didn’t take appropriate measures to ensure the
safety of their employees and minimize the damage to the building. Questions should be asked
of management from an ethical standpoint and merit discussion as to risk vs reward. The cost
savings changes that were made were done with little thought, as the components were
mismatched, and little thought was given during the installation.
The structure was poorly constructed, racks were inadequate, and products were stored in
areas that produced large amount of heat that caused explosions due to overheating. The steel
beams absorb heat causing walls and flooring to collapse. The installed fire pumps were not
installed and kept properly. The City of Washington had conducted an inspection of the
warehouse and requested the fire pumps be grounded and bonded – The request went
unanswered.
During renovation it was clear electric power, poor lighting and water supply were issues
to contend with. This was clear by workers using portable lighting, the installation of a foreign
pump due to insufficient water pressure during the renovation work. The poor lighting resulted