Thoughts on Fire Blog

#202 – Is it Time to Retire Your Life Safety Rope?

February 2, 2025June 10, 2019

QRFS explains how to inspect and record accurate histories of life safety rope, helping fire departments determine whether they are still safe for service.

#201 – Fire Sprinkler Accident Videos: The Hall of Shame

February 2, 2025June 7, 2019

QRFS takes a look at seven sprinkler mishaps that might have been avoided with heavy-duty fire sprinkler head guards.

#200 – What’s a Firefighting Playpipe and Why Do We Call It That?

February 2, 2025June 6, 2019

QRFS looks at the origins and historic use of the term “playpipe,” explaining how firefighting playpipe became the inspector’s tool of choice for straightening water flows.

#199 – How to Stop a Fire Sprinkler Head with the Correct Shutgun Sprinkler Tool

February 2, 2025June 5, 2019

A false activation of a fire sprinkler can quickly cause expensive water damage. QRFS explains how Shutgun sprinkler tools quickly and easily stop discharge at the source and which one to buy for different systems.

#198 – Paint Markers for Metalwork, Construction, HVAC, Maintenance, and Industrial Applications

February 2, 2025June 4, 2019

Many marking tools don’t perform well on non-porous surfaces like metal—and the marks they leave aren’t suited to rough handling, heat, weather, and other extreme conditions. QRFS explains how oil-based paint markers for metal can make life easier for those working in construction, metalwork, and other industries.

#197 – Life Safety Rope: NFPA Requirements for Cleaning and Storage

February 2, 2025June 3, 2019

QRFS explains best practices for caring for life safety rope, meeting NFPA requirements, and avoiding damage that can put firefighter’s lives at risk.

#196 – Grenfell Tower, Two Years After the Fire

February 2, 2025May 31, 2019

QRFS looks at the latest updates on Grenfell Tower, explaining what’s known about the fire’s causes and fallout before turning to the question of whether fires like this could happen in the United States.

#195 – Fire Hose Liners and Jackets Work Together to Move Water and Fight Fires

February 2, 2025May 30, 2019

QRFS explains the evolution of the modern fire hose, explaining how fire hose liners and jackets were developed to resist abrasion, weathering, and pressure to reliably fight fires.

#194 – Guide to Dry Sprinkler Systems, Part 8: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Testing

February 2, 2025May 29, 2019

QRFS begins a multiple-part series on NFPA 25 testing requirements for dry sprinkler systems with daily, weekly, and monthly requirements.

Flexible fire sprinkler drops in a ceiling

#193 – Guide to Flexible Fire Sprinkler Drops, Part 2: Selection and Code Issues for FlexHead, VICFLEX, and More

February 2, 2025May 28, 2019

Knowledge of rated bends, manufacturers, and fire code can help contractors make informed decisions about the selection and installation of flexible fire sprinkler drops. To learn more about FlexHead, VicFlex, and other leading products, read on.