Saturday, April 26, 2008

Fire Fighting Issues Involving Vacant / Abandoned Homes

An article in Fire Engineering Magazine comments on issues related to fighting fires in vacant/abandoned houses:
  • With foreclosure rates dramatically increasing around the United States, has your department looked at how it will address the associated problems? An increase in foreclosure and bankruptcy means an increase in vacant properties. [...] Has your department discussed how to deal with this? Are you making mental notes? As the number of vacant house fires increases, will the number of firefighter injuries climb along with them? At what point does a company officer decide not to go interior? Remember, firefighter safety is our number-one priority. If it isn't safe and justifiable, don't risk life over wood and stucco.

For the entire commentary, see Fire Commentary: The Foreclosure Issue.

For other stories on fires & foreclosures, go here, go here, go here, and go here. foreclosure arson whale