In 1973, the presidentially appointed National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control published America Burning, its landmark report on the nation's fire problem. The report presented 90 recommendations for a fire-safe America. For the past 15 years, America Burning has served as a road map, guiding the fire service and the federal fire programs toward the goal of improving fire safety in the United States. The original America Burning report made 90 recommendations in 18 chapters in the following general subject areas: the nation's fire problem; the fire services; fire and the built environment; fire and the rural wildlands environment; fire prevention; and a program for the future. While much of the report and its recommendations remained valid and relevant, it was time to take a second look at America Burning and re-examine the progress made toward the goals and objectives stated in the report. Perhaps more importantly, it was time to make new recommendations that would reflect the changes in our society and environment since 1973, but still move toward a more fire-safe America. As a result, the conference on 'America Burning Revisited” was convened in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., from November 30 to December 2, 1987. “America Burning Revisited” had a threefold purpose. First, conference participants were to reach a consensus about the status of, and trends in, America's fire problem. Second, they were to revisit America Burning by reviewing and evaluating the progress toward the report's 90 recommendations. Finally, the conference participants were to recommend guidelines for local, state and federal efforts to reduce the life and property loss from fire. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) planned to use the results of this conference as the basis for establishing its program priorities for future activities. This meant that the fire protection leaders participating in “America Burning Revisited” were to have the opportunity to map out the future course of fire safety in this country.

Fire Administration planned to use the results of this workshop to review its current programs and to set priorities for future direction and activities. Although the reader will not find major new or dramatic problems, you will discover that there are significant changes in the fire environment today, major changes in fire department responsibilities, increased concern about fire fighter health and safety, and a growing awareness that public fire education must be greatly improved and expanded, particularly for high-risk populations; the very young and very old.

This report contains a general discussion of the current and projected fire protection environment In the United States. The report includes information on Changes in fire experience, problems, issues and conditions since America Burning; current fire losses, major problem areas, programs and general conditions which directly, or indirectly, affect the protection of life and property from fire; and projected future conditions and situations at the local, state and national levels which might impact on fire protection.

This primer for architects explores the basic physical principles and requirements of every aspect of passive and active controls in buildings. Avoiding needless jargon, Environmental Issues for Architecture supports an understanding of environmental systems in order to inform architectural design. With topics ranging from lighting, acoustics, thermal control, plumbing, fire protection and egress, to elevators and escalators, all of the latest technologies are supported. Designer-friendly, this rich resource gives just enough technical information for architects to design buildings that are efficient and comfortable.

Fundamentals of Fire Protection for the Safety Professional provides safety managers with a guide for incorporating fire hazard awareness and protection into their safety management plans. Industrial fires pose one of the greatest threats to organizations in terms of financial, human, and property losses. Understanding fire safety basics, the physics of fire, and the properties and classes of common hazards is key to designing fire safety management programs that not only protect an organization's assets but also ensure the safe evacuation of all involved. Fundamentals of Fire Protection for the Safety Professional takes an in-depth look at fire hazards in the workplace—from the substances required to do business to the building construction itself?—and provides practical fire safety principles that can be applied in any work environment. Readers will learn how to develop emergency action plans and fire prevention plans, implement effective alarm and detection systems and fire extinguishment systems, and develop a comprehensive fire program management plan that is in compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and National Fire Protection Association standards. Each chapter includes a chapter summary and sample problems, making this an ideal training tool in the workplace or the classroom. Answers to chapter questions and a comprehensive glossary and index are provided at the end of the book.