As you learned in Week 1, there are five primary types of building construction:
- Type I (fire-resistive)
- Type II (non-combustible)
- Type III (ordinary)
- Type IV (heavy timber)
- Type V (wood frame)
Understanding each of these construction types is crucial in the fire service, as each presents unique challenges and risks that can affect fire behavior, structural integrity, and the safety of both occupants and emergency responders.
The requirements for this paper are based on two of the construction types provided above. You are free to choose one of the Types I–IV construction methods and required to write on Type V. Your focus will be on the general characteristics of each of the two types of construction, their effect on fire behavior, and how they impact firefighting strategies and tactics.
Submission Requirements:
After completing this week’s readings and conducting your own research into this topic, write a paper that addresses the following:
1. Identify the key characteristics of the two construction types, including their strengths (if any) and weaknesses, fire-resistant features, and potential for structural collapse.
2. Explain how fire behavior varies across the two types of construction, considering key factors such as typical design and layout, flow paths, time to flashover, and potential for backdraft.
3. Discuss how an understanding of fire behavior in each of the two construction types influences the tactical decisions firefighters make when choosing between offensive and defensive fire attack strategies. Additionally, describe the critical ventilation challenges that may arise and how they impact overall fireground operations.
4. Type V construction presents a unique risk to firefighters in combination with the balloon-frame construction method. Explain the difference between the balloon-frame and platform-frame construction methods, how firefighters can recognize balloon-frame construction, and the dangers that balloon-frame construction poses to firefighters.
Be sure to base your information on facts (not opinions). Also, be sure that the first-person voice is not used in your paper.
Gen-AI Use:
The use of AI to write or generate content for your paper is strictly prohibited. Please review this Gen-AI in the Classroom [content page] link, as it will help you to use AI in an ethical and responsible manner while still maintaining your academic integrity.
Also, please review this FSMT Gen-AI Specific Policy [content page] link, which details the steps you must take when using AI as an editing tool.
Assignment Requirements:
1. Three (3) Full APA Formatted Pages (This does not count the title page or the reference page)
2. Three (3) Academically Respected Sources (Good sources that are respected in this field)
3. APA 7th Edition (Formatting, Citing, and Referencing)
4. Word Document (Use Microsoft Word only) (Do not submit a PDF or a Pages document)
5. Font (Times New Roman font throughout the paper)
6. Font Size (12 Point font size throughout the paper)
7. Spacing (Double Spaced)
8. Margins (1-inch Page Margins: Top, Bottom, Left, and Right) (Not 1.25 inches)
Paper Expectations:
The Writing Assignment Expectations link I provided below goes into detail on the following information.
1. Page Number – The page number must appear in the upper right corner of the header on each page of the paper.
2. Title Page – APA 7th Edition title page
3. Main Parts of the Paper – The main parts or sections of the paper include the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion
4. Headings – Headings are required in the paper so that the reader can distinguish between your key points throughout the body of the paper.
5. Reference page – A reference page is a required part of your paper.
Read>> Writing Assignment Expectations [content page]
Formatting, Citing and Referencing:
The APA 7th Edition Guides link I provided below goes into detail on the following information.
- Formatting – Format your paper using the APA 7th Edition
- Citing – Cite your referenced material using the APA 7th Edition
- Referencing – Reference all material using the APA 7th Edition
Read>> APA 7th Edition Guides [content page]
