Lessons from Construction Site Fires

A recent fire in Aurora, Colorado highlighted important lessons for construction site safety. The fire department faced difficulties accessing the site due to construction equipment obstructing their path. This incident emphasizes the need to keep job sites clear and free from obstructions that may impede emergency response. Additionally, the fire hydrants at the site were not activated, a violation of the latest edition of P241, which states that hydrants must be active before vertical construction begins. Fuel storage, namely propane tanks, also posed a significant risk as they caught fire. These incidents underscore the importance of proper fuel storage and precautions to prevent explosions. Lastly, there were suspicions of arson due to another fire in the same area. The episode highlights the need for builders to consider intentional or unintentional causes of fires in their construction sites and ensure their buildings are prepared and easily accessible for fire departments.