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The article discusses role and importance of building construction to help firefighters to combat fire and minimize their risks. Topics discussed includes presence of a ridge vent and a roofline in the lightweight construction, benefit of using balloon frame construction with inline windows, and challenges of fire controlling in a building with small stairs.

The author presents photographs of a burning two and a half story wood framed dwelling with a balloon-frame construction and explains how to approach the fire hiding in the space behind knee walls. According to him, the firemen should begin operations with a 360-degree size-up of the fire building. He also discusses the forced opening of burglar gates secured with tubular deadbolts as well as how the use of the right kind of hose will help in eliminating the fire.

The article discusses how to extinguish fires in balloon-frame construction. He notes the importance for firefighters in being knowledgeable about building construction, such as knowing what type of building they are entering when responding to a fire, the features of balloon-frame construction, and the potential hazards of fighting fires in a balloon-frame building. Information on extinguishing fires in these types of buildings is presented.

Highlights building fire hazards found in different buildings and structures around the United States. Balloon frames and the dangers they pose during a fire; Technique for dealing with fire in the voids; Floor joists set in a common opening.