The devastating fires in Los Angeles at the beginning of 2025 serve as a reminder of our communities’ vulnerability to these destructive forces. Homes and businesses were reduced to ashes, leaving countless people displaced and traumatized. While the immediate focus remains on recovery and support for those affected, this tragedy highlights our built environment and the measures in place to protect against such disasters.
Long before the advent of modern building codes, a visionary recognized the importance of fire prevention and safety. Benjamin Franklin, the renowned founding father of the United States, played a pivotal role in establishing the first building codes in Philadelphia in 1735. His focus extended beyond regulations – he championed thoughtful design principles. Franklin emphasized the importance of safe fireplace construction, advocating for hearth extensions and adequate clearances from combustible materials. His creative use of plaster in construction anticipated modern fire-stopping techniques, demonstrating an understanding of how to contain and mitigate the spread of fire.
Today, building codes have evolved significantly, providing a complex framework for ensuring fire safety. Construction types are categorized based on their fire resistance, with Type V-B representing the most basic, allowing for combustible materials and minimal fire resistance requirements. However, other construction types demand higher levels of fire resistance. Walls, floors, and other structural elements are rigorously tested and assigned ratings based on their ability to withstand fire for specific durations (e.g., 2-hour, 1-hour ratings). These ratings are crucial in slowing the spread of fire, providing vital time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.
The table below is from the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), which classifies buildings into five construction types. The IBC assigns different fire resistance ratings for each type based on the size and occupancy of a structure.
TABLE 601
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (HOURS)
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
- Roof supports: Fire-resistance ratings of primary structural frame and bearing walls are permitted to be reduced by 1 hour where supporting a roof only.
- Except in Group F-1, H, M and S-1 occupancies, fire protection of structural members in roof construction shall not be required, including protection of primary structural frame members, roof framing and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below. Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members.
- In all occupancies, heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 shall be allowed where a 1-hour or less fire-resistance rating is required.
- Not less than the fire-resistance rating required by other sections of this code.
- Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on fire separation distance (see Table 602).
- Not less than the fire-resistance rating as referenced in Section 704.10.
Graphic Credited to ICC Digital Codes
Fire sprinklers play an important role in modern fire safety. These fire protection systems are designed to suppress fires, limiting their spread and minimizing damage automatically. Building codes mandate the installation of sprinkler systems in many commercial and residential buildings, recognizing their proven effectiveness in saving lives and property. Fire sprinklers may also be required in shell construction, with sprinkler heads turned upright towards the ceiling. This application protects other occupants from a fire that may break out in an unfinished space.
Fire Department Connections (FDCs) are vital components of commercial firefighting operations. They provide a connection between the municipal water supply and firefighting equipment. FDCs enable firefighters to quickly and efficiently connect to the building’s water system, allowing them to deploy large volumes of water to combat fires effectively and rapidly. Sometimes, they’ve been known to blow the roof off a small structure to help prevent the rapid spread of fire. These connections are essential for ensuring adequate water supply during firefighting operations, particularly in high-rise buildings and large commercial complexes where water demand is significant.
The tragic events in Los Angeles highlight the relevance of Ben Franklin’s work in fire safety. While modern building codes offer basic requirements, awareness and improvement are essential. We must strive for stricter adherence to codes, invest in cutting-edge fire safety technologies like sprinkler systems, and educate the public about fire prevention measures which can be as simple as brush clearing. By learning from the past and embracing innovative solutions, we can build a safer future and minimize the devastating impact of future fires.
