Even when facility managers are as diligent as they can be about fire safety measures, it’s just as important to ensure contractors working on the building are diligent as well. A recent fire at a Chicago high school illustrated that point in stark detail.
A late-night fire at the Chicago Academy High School was caused by work on the roof the previous day, investigators concluded. Something was left smoldering during roof repair work the previous day, which eventually burst into flames in the middle of the night. Firefighters were called to the scene about 1 am, where flames could be seen bursting from the roof, according to ABC7.
Chicago firefighters ruled the fire was accidental. Damage was mainly to the roof with minor issues on the top floor, according to the firefighters.
The building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported. Classes at the school have been cancelled until investigators can assess the full extent of the damage.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
