Last year’s passage of Tall Mass Timber code provisions for inclusion in the 2021 International Code Council’s International Building Code will usher in a new era in construction, allowing for tall mass timber buildings to be constructed up to 18 stories.
With these new technologies and approvals, it is vital for the wood products industry to seek input from, and build strong relationships with, those who understand fire prevention and safety best. To help foster communication and education with the fire service, the American Wood Council (AWC) has successively launched a Fire Service Advisory Council and created an informational WoodAware website.
The Fire Service Advisory Council is a distinguished national group of long-standing fire service experts who will provide the wood products industry with advice and guidance on fire safety strategies and tactics surrounding wood construction, wood products, and the industry’s engagement with the fire service. The Council, led by AWC’s Manager of Fire Service Relations, Ray O’Brocki, draws its membership from fire service leadership across the country, among fire departments from a diverse group of communities.
Coupled with the establishment of the Fire Service Advisory Council, AWC updated and relaunched WoodAware, a website dedicated to educating the fire service on wood-frame construction, mass timber, and other wood products. The website provides extensive information on fire safety and testing, and examples of typical wood construction in all types of structures the fire service may encounter. Included in the relaunch is a section dedicated to the recently approved tall mass timber code changes in the 2021 International Building Code.
With tall mass timber now building-code approved and on the rise in the United States, ensuring open lines of communication and educational resources for the fire service is an AWC priority. As with any major changes, questions arise. The American Wood Council wants to be sure, on behalf of the industry, that we are best positioned to receive input from the fire service in addressing those questions.
It is hoped that a continuing conversation with the fire service will keep any misconceptions or misunderstandings about wood construction and products from being conveyed to others and even the media. For example, because of widespread misconceptions surrounding tall mass timber construction, it is imperative that the wood products industry be able to distinguish mass timber construction from traditional light-frame construction. And we have already seen that the WoodAware website and the robust fire service outreach has and is continuing to dispel common myths held by many firefighters.