Fire Protection and Fire Prevention on Covered Bridges Part 2

1. 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

2. 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!

3. 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

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

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

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

7. Deterrence • Fire Detection • Alarms • Lighting • Telemetering

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

9. Heat Detector Linear heat detector wire

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

11. Deterrence • Fire Detection • Alarms • Lighting • Telemetering

12. Alarms Audible bell or horn alarm recommended Flashing strobe optional

13. Deterrence • Fire Detection • Alarms • Lighting • Telemetering

14. Lighting Metal halide or mercury vapor lamps recommended

15. Deterrence • Fire Detection • Alarms • Lighting • Telemetering

16. Telemetering Typical control panel with telemetering

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

18. Intumescent Paint Color or transparent finishes available

19. Hydrants Pressurized hydrants Dry hydrants Sprinkler system Arresting the Fire

20. Arresting the Fire Dry Hydrant

21. Sprinklers Typical Sprinkler Installation

22. Sprinklers Sprinkler feed location is important

23. Sprinklers Fire Department charging sprinklers

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

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