Thoughts on Fire Blog

#237 – The Deadliest Fires in U.S. History: Lessons Learned, Part 2

November 20, 2024July 29, 2019

QRFS continues its look at what went wrong in devastating U.S. fires—and how the painful lessons made schools and public assembly occupancies safer.

#236 – The Deadliest Fires in US History: Lessons Learned, Part 1

July 26, 2019

Learn about the Iroquois Theater Fire & the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire–among the deadliest fires in U.S. history—& the changes they inspired to fire codes.

#235 – What Size Valve Wheel Wrench Do You Need?

July 25, 2019

For a slip-free grip and maximum leverage, follow QRFS’s guide to sizing valve wheel wrenches that turn handwheel valves safely.

#234 – Guide to Tyco, Gem, Star, and Central Fire Sprinkler Escutcheons: Style 10, Style 20, and More

July 25, 2019July 24, 2019

Use this guide to learn how TYCO’s escutcheons provide code-compatible coverage to fire sprinklers from current and once-popular brands—like Star, Central, and Gem—and how to know when the Style 10, Style 20, or other model works with a particular head.

#233 – What is a Fire Riser Room? IFC and NFPA Requirements

June 7, 2023July 23, 2019

QRFS explains why buildings need these fire sprinkler control centers, where they must be placed, and how fire riser rooms must be maintained.

#232 – Common Mistakes that Cause Fire Sprinkler Failure, Part 2

January 19, 2023July 22, 2019

Human error causes the majority of fire sprinkler failures. QRFS completes its examination of the biggest mistakes that leave people and property unprotected from fire.

#231 – Common Mistakes that Cause Fire Sprinkler Failure, Part 1

January 15, 2023July 19, 2019

Human error causes the majority of fire sprinkler failures. QRFS explains the biggest mistakes people make that lead to system malfunctions.

A fire alarm in a building that has caught fire

#230 – NFPA 101 Fire Alarm Systems, Part 3: Residential, Healthcare, and Daycare Occupancy Requirements

July 18, 2019

QRFS breaks down NFPA 101’s requirements for fire alarm systems in healthcare occupancies, day cares, and residential dwellings ranging from family homes to apartments.

#229 – Property Condition Assessment of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

July 17, 2019

A property condition assessment ensures that life safety systems are working and up to code—avoiding expensive surprises in a commercial real estate deal.

#228 – Shattering Myths About Fire Sprinklers

July 16, 2019

QRFS explains why five common beliefs about fire protection simply aren’t true—and how fire sprinklers function reliably and precisely to save lives and property.