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For the second time in less than a year, a
significant Chicago building by Louis Sullivan has been destroyed by a fire
resulting from the use of cutting torches. According to published reports, the
October 24th blaze that destroyed the Wirt Dexter Building (630 S. Wabash) was
caused by scrap workers cutting apart an abandoned boiler in the basement.
Following is a Landmarks Illinois report issued immediately after the January 6,
2006, fire that destroyed most of the
Pilgrim Baptist Church at 3301 S. Indiana
Ave. The report suggests that communities should enact serious restrictions on
the use of cutting and welding operations inside a historic structure, based on
existing fire safety codes.
Tips for preventing fires
in historic structures
At
the time of the blaze, which caused $5.6 million in damage,
workers were using torches to strip paint as part of an $895,000
restoration of the dome and exterior. [Old State Capitol,
Iowa City, Iowa; Nov. 21, 2001]
Crews were using a cutting torch to remove the old marquee when
a spark ignited old insulation in the walls. [Academy
Theater, Waukegan, Ill.; Oct. 27, 2004]
Workers using blowtorches to seal metal coping on a new roof
accidentally sparked the fire that destroyed the landmark.
[Pilgrim Baptist Church, Chicago, Ill.; Jan. 6, 2006]
Although modern methods of fire detection and fighting have
reduced deaths in building fires, the number of historic
structures damaged by fire nationwide has remained steady—about
2,000 a year. Places of worship, with their wide-span
structures, are particularly vulnerable. Channels created by
balloon-frame construction in older structures provide unimpeded
paths for flames, from basements to attics.
“The
question,” Colonial Williamsburg’s security director told
Preservation magazine (“Up In Smoke,” Nov./Dec. 2002), “is
not will an old building catch fire, but when.”
Unfortunately for historic buildings, fires often take place
during and immediately after rehabilitation. Welding and cutting
operations, plumbing torches, tar kettles, temporary heating
equipment, and wiring can serve as ignition sources that can
create rapid-developing fire situations, notes the National Fire
Protection Association (Code for Fire Protection in Historic
Structures; NFPA 914).
Nearly 50 percent of fires in cultural resources are caused by
heat plates and torches, while arson is the source of 30
percent. “I shudder when I see people using torches on these old
buildings,” the fire chief of Madison, Ind. told Preservation
magazine. “Combine flame and aged wood, and the wood’s going to
go.”
The
Best Practices Manual used by the National Trust for
Historic Preservation for its historic sites recommends that all
“hot work” operations be done on the ground at a safe distance
away from the building. If work must be done within or on the
building, the owner’s permission must be granted in writing and
a fire watchman—armed with an extinguisher—must be stationed
during the work and for two hours after. “Open flame devices are
prohibited for paint removal” and heat guns are banned unless
absolutely necessary.
Planning of the construction phase, the NFPA suggests, should
include discussions with the owner, architect, the contractors,
and project manager about fire safety. A person should be
designated to represent the owner’s interest in making sure that
fire safety precautions are practiced on the job site. All
cutting and welding operations should require a permit under the
supervision of that designee. Torch-applied roofing is an
especially hazardous construction process, calling for extreme
caution.
“All
roof openings, vents, and other crevices should be covered with
a stable, noncombustible cover to prevent the ignition of
building contents,” NFPA recommends. All roof areas under repair
should be checked for hot spots and signs of smoldering, with
special attention to flashings and areas around all
penetrations. All roofing operations involving heat sources and
hot processes shall be conducted by a qualified agency.
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Wirt Dexter Building fire, Oct. 24, 2006
Wirt Dexter Building fire, Oct. 24, 2006
Wirt Dexter Building fire, Oct. 24, 2006
Firefighters continue to pour water on the
rear of the building the next day
Wirt Dexter Building, Front Elevation, photo by
Bob Thall, Commission on Chicago Landmarks
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