Fire Protection and Fire Prevention on Covered Bridges Part 2

Fire Protection and Fire Prevention on Covered BridgesPart 2 Covered Bridge Preservation National Best Practices Conference June 5-7, 2003 Presented by: Robert H. Durfee, P.E. Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. Manchester, New Hampshire Burlington, Vermont

Summary of Recent Covered Bridge Fires • Several thousand covered bridges built but only about 850 remain • 34 bridge fires between 1992-2002 • Average loss of 3-4 bridges/year • Only 10 bridges survived to be repaired • 4 bridges that survived had systems • 11 bridges or 32% lost in 2002 alone!

Started by arsonists Occurred at night Bridges in remote locations Few bridges had fire protection systems Poorly lit or no lighting Most bridges had been burning for some time until discovered Nature of Covered Bridge Fires

Slate Covered Bridge, NH • 1993 • Bridge totally engulfed by flames

Cedar Bridge, IA • 2002 • Bridge totally engulfed by flames

Deterrence Reducing the fire potential Arresting the fire Key Measures to Protect Covered Bridges

Deterrence • Fire Detection • Alarms • Lighting • Telemetering

Smoke detectors Flame detectors Heat detectors Heat detectors are best suited for covered bridges Fire Detection

Heat Detector Linear heat detector wire

Heat Detector • Haverhill/ Bath Fire October 2002 • Linear heat detector works! • Damage localized

Alarms Audible bell or horn alarm recommended Flashing strobe optional

Lighting Metal halide or mercury vapor lamps recommended

Telemetering Typical control panel with telemetering

Retardant treated wood Intumescent Paint Intumescent paint is best suited for covered bridges Reducing the Fire Potential

Intumescent Paint Color or transparent finishes available

Hydrants Pressurized hydrants Dry hydrants Sprinkler system Arresting the Fire

Arresting the Fire Dry Hydrant

Sprinklers Typical Sprinkler Installation

Sprinklers Sprinkler feed location is important

Sprinklers Fire Department charging sprinklers

Cost vary depending on: Length and width of bridge Availability of water source Remoteness of site Distance to electrical/phone lines Capabilities of local fire/police departments Fire Protection Costs

Typical Bridge: 80’ long by 20’ wide DETERRENCE SystemCost per Square FootCost Per Bridge Heat detectors, alarms, telemetering $7.00 $11,200.00 Lighting $4.00 $6,400.00 Fire Protection Costs

Typical Bridge: 80’ long by 20’ wide FIRE POTENTIAL REDUCTION SystemCost per Square FootCost Per Bridge Intumescent Paint $6.50 $10,400.00 Fire Protection Costs

Typical Bridge: 80’ long by 20’ wide ARRESTING THE FIRE SystemCost per Square Foot Cost Per Bridge Fire hydrant N/A $3,500.00 Dry hydrant N/A $2,500.00 Sprinklers $10.50 $16,800.00 Total for all systems: $48,300.00 Fire Protection Costs

Deterrence, fire detection and fire protection measures work! Systems are cost effective (3% to 15% of total project) Costs are generally one-time Reduction in insurance premiums Conclusions

Questions Robert H. Durfee, P.E. Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, Inc. 150 Dow Street Manchester, New Hampshire (603) 669-5555 rdurfee@hta-nh.com

Fire Protection and Fire Prevention on Covered Bridges Part 2