BuildingsonFire: Row House Challenges, Part 5 (Final Installment)

Fire Engineering Podcast Network

In this episode of Buildings on Fire, host Christopher Naum reviews critical lessons from recent and historical Baltimore row house fires that resulted in multiple line-of-duty deaths. Through a detailed review of construction features, fire dynamics, and operational challenges specific to vintage and modern row house buildings, Naum highlights the complexity behind seemingly straightforward incidents. The discussion covers the significant risks posed by abandoned, derelict, and occupied structures, including unique party wall vulnerabilities, concealed spaces, and varying building conditions. Naum stresses the importance of continuous size-up, adaptive tactics, and refined risk assessment models—moving beyond simplistic “vacant” building labels. He also shares insights from national fire investigation reports and introduces tactical guidance designed to enhance firefighter safety and mission success.