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Alpha Code Consulting

Fire Protection Engineering Solutions

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A collection of real-world results demonstrating our ability to meet client needs, exceed expectations, and deliver high-quality solutions. Browse our gallery to see how we bring projects to life with skill and professionalism.

Burn Cell Fire
This image shows a fire-damaged laundry or utility room with severe charring and heat damage. The washing machine and sink are extensively burned, with melted plastic components and black soot covering most surfaces. The walls and ceiling exhibit signs of intense heat exposure, with peeling paint and structural damage. A thorough fire investigation would be necessary to determine the root cause. Additionally, fire safety measures, such as proper ventilation, maintenance, dryer exhaust duct cleaning, circuit protection, and fire suppression systems, should be reviewed to prevent future incidents.
Investigation Fire in Laundry Room
This image highlights a fire damage pattern near an electrical panel, presenting a significant fire safety concern. Fire Protection Observations 1. V-Shaped Burn Pattern o The visible V-pattern on the wall suggests a localized heat source at the base, which spread upward, indicating possible electrical ignition from the panel or nearby wiring. o Fire investigators often analyze burn patterns to determine the fire's point of origin, and this suggests overheating or electrical arcing as potential causes. 2. Electrical Fire Risk o The electrical panel and conduit show heat damage and scorching, which could result from faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or a short circuit. o If not promptly addressed, this poses a high risk of recurring electrical fires, jeopardizing building safety. 3. Improper Storage & Fire Load o Items placed near the electrical panel, including gaskets, tools, and paper materials, increase fire risk by adding combustible fuel to the area. o The Ontario Electrical Code requires clearances around electrical panels to prevent obstruction and reduce fire hazards. Recommendations for Fire Safety Compliance ✔ Immediate inspection by a licensed electrician to assess wiring, connections, and any overheating components. ✔ Verify panel compliance with the Ontario Electrical Code to ensure proper installation and electrical safety measures. ✔ Remove combustible materials from the area and maintain a minimum clearance of 36 inches around the panel per code requirements. ✔ Investigate potential moisture intrusion or corrosion, which can cause electrical faults leading to arcing and fire. This fire damage evidence requires urgent attention, as electrical fires can spread rapidly and cause extensive damage if left unaddressed.
Electrical Panel Black Smoke V Pattern on Wall
This image highlights improper storage conditions in what appears to be an elevator machine room, raising serious fire safety concerns. Fire Protection and Code Compliance Issues 1. Combustible Materials: The presence of cardboard boxes, rags, and paper debris significantly increases the fire load in the space. If exposed to a heat source or electrical fault, these materials could ignite and allow fire to spread rapidly. 2. Flammable Liquids: The black buckets with hazard symbols suggest the storage of flammable or combustible liquids, which should be properly contained and stored in designated flammable storage cabinets per the Ontario Fire Code. 3. Egress Obstruction: The cluttered space can obstruct access to critical equipment, delaying response times for maintenance personnel and firefighters in an emergency. The Ontario Fire Code requires clear and unobstructed access to fire protection systems. 4. Elevator Safety Hazards: Elevator machine rooms house electrical and mechanical systems that must be free from unrelated storage, as per ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) and NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code - NEC 620.2). Unrelated storage can interfere with cooling systems, increase fire risk, and hinder emergency shutdown procedures. Recommended Actions ✔ Remove all non-essential storage and keep the room free from combustible materials. ✔ Store flammable liquids in an approved flammable storage cabinet away from ignition sources. ✔ Ensure proper housekeeping to maintain a clear and safe environment for maintenance and emergency response personnel. ✔ Verify compliance with local fire codes and NFPA standards to avoid violations and ensure life safety. Failure to address these issues can lead to code violations, increased fire risks, and potential liability in case of an incident. Immediate corrective action is strongly recommended.
Combustible Storage Inside Elevator Machine Room
The photo shows a fire sprinkler system valve assembly inside a white enclosure. The system includes a red control valve (butterfly valve) with a circular handwheel, pressure gauge, flow switch, gauge and supervisory switches. The pipes are connected with orange grooved couplings, and the system has red identification tags indicating its function and location (Level 3, Zone 3.1, Tower). The flexible braided hose at the bottom is likely for drainage purposes. This setup specifically controls the 3rd level of the building is part of a building's fire protection sprinkler system, ensuring proper water flow and monitoring for fire suppression.
Fire Sprinkler Valve Closet
This image depicts a fire door with a latch that is not fully engaging with the strike plate, presenting a significant fire safety concern. Fire doors are designed to compartmentalize smoke and flames, providing critical protection during a fire emergency. When a fire door fails to latch properly, it may not close securely, compromising its ability to perform this essential function. One major risk associated with this issue is fire and smoke containment failure. If the door remains ajar due to improper latching, smoke, heat, and toxic gases can infiltrate protected areas, such as exit stairwells. Stairwells serve as primary evacuation routes during a fire, and any breach in fire door integrity increases the risk of smoke migration, reducing visibility, impairing occupants' ability to evacuate safely, and exposing them to life-threatening conditions. Additionally, gaps around the door—such as the one visible in the image—can further compromise fire and smoke resistance. Fire doors are required to meet strict clearance and sealing requirements to prevent smoke infiltration. If the gap is excessive, smoke can easily bypass the door even if it is closed, defeating its purpose as a fire barrier. From a code compliance perspective, a fire door that does not properly latch violates fire safety standards such as NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). These codes mandate that fire doors must self-close and positively latch to ensure reliability in the event of a fire. Failure to address this issue could lead to non-compliance citations, liability concerns, and increased risk to building occupants. To rectify this issue, a thorough inspection should be conducted to determine the root cause, which may include: • Strike plate misalignment: The plate may need to be repositioned or adjusted. • Door warping or frame misalignment: Changes in temperature and humidity can affect fire doors. • Latch bolt malfunction: The latch mechanism should be tested, lubricated, or replaced if necessary. • Improper door gap clearance: The door may require fire-rated gasketing or adjustment to meet compliance standards. It is crucial that any deficiencies in fire door operation are addressed promptly to ensure the building’s fire protection system remains effective and that occupants can evacuate safely during an emergency.
Fire Door not Latching Due to Large Gap
The image shows a white cable passing through a rough, unsealed hole in a wall or ceiling corner. The hole appears to have been manually drilled or chiseled, with exposed drywall, chipped paint, and uneven edges. The surrounding area has multiple layers of paint or plaster, some of which are peeling. The background includes a section of patterned wallpaper and a partially visible ceiling, which has dust or dirt accumulation. The installation appears unfinished or improvised, is a fire hazard because the unsealed hole will allow smoke and fire spread to other areas of the building. The hole requires to be fire stopped (sealed) to maintain the integrity of the fire separation.
Hole in Fire Separation
The image shows a construction site with a person wearing a white hard hat and a grey jacket operating a yellow fire hydrant. The person appears to be performing a water flow test, as a large stream of water is gushing out from it. The surrounding area is muddy and there are piles of dirt and construction materials visible. In the background, there are several residential houses with brown roofs and a clear blue sky with some clouds. The scene captures a moment of maintenance or testing of the fire hydrant, which is an essential part of urban infrastructure.
Water Flow Test for New Subdivision
The photo shows a rooftop-mounted mechanical ventilation system, specifically a stairwell pressurization fan. The unit is housed in a metal enclosure with an angular intake or exhaust vent, designed to regulate airflow in a building's stairwell or shaft. The fan is secured on a metal frame and positioned on a gravel-covered rooftop. The surrounding structure includes a metal-clad roof with brick elements, indicating a commercial or multi-story residential building. The black protective cover on the duct suggests insulation or weatherproofing measures. This type of fan is commonly used for fire safety, ensuring that stairwells remain smoke-free in case of a fire by maintaining positive pressure, thereby allowing occupants to evacuate safely.
Air Intake for Stair Pressurization
The photo shows a public fire safety event centered around a red Sprinkler Demonstration Trailer. Several people, including children and adults, are gathered around the trailer. Children wearing bright yellow raincoats and boots are exiting the trailer, likely after participating in a hands-on sprinkler system demonstration. Some of them are carrying yellow bags labeled "City of..." (possibly part of a fire safety program). Adults, including event organizers and spectators, are watching, taking photos, and engaging with the activity. A clothing rack with additional yellow raincoats is visible on the right side. The event appears to be an educational demonstration on how fire sprinklers work, likely aimed at raising fire safety awareness.
Sprinkler Demonstration Trailer
The image shows an indoor growing facility with numerous cannabis plants. The room is equipped with high-intensity grow lights emitting a yellowish glow, which suggests the use of high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps commonly used for indoor plant cultivation. The plants are arranged in rows and supported by stakes with strings tied around them for structural reinforcement. The background features ventilation ducts, fans, and electrical panels, indicating a controlled environment for optimal plant growth. The overall lighting and setup suggest this is a professional or large-scale cultivation facility. There are no egress paths for occupants to evacuate in case of a fire.
Grow up Obstructed Egress
This image shows a Fire Safety Plan station, which includes: A Fire Safety Plan Box The box is labeled "Fire Safety Plan" and features a padlock, indicating that the plan is secured but accessible to authorized personnel. This is essential for emergency responders who may need quick access to the fire safety documents, evacuation procedures, and building systems information during an incident. Building Fire Safety Drawings The site and floor plans displayed above the box appear to contain fire protection details, exit routes, and emergency equipment locations. These are passive fire protection graphics, providing vital information for occupants and emergency personnel. Recommendations for Fire Safety Compliance ✔ Ensure the Fire Safety Plan box is accessible and that keys are available to fire department personnel. ✔ Confirm that fire plans are up-to-date and comply with local fire codes (e.g., NFPA 101, local fire department requirements). ✔ Regularly inspect and update the posted graphics to ensure accuracy in case of modifications to the building layout. ✔ Consider adding emergency contact numbers and fire alarm instructions near the display for quick reference. This setup supports code compliance and life safety measures, helping first responders and building occupants in the event of an emergency
Fire Safety Plan Box & Building Graphic
This image shows an electric fire pump system within a fire protection setup, specifically a standpipe system pump. Proper operation of this system is critical for maintaining fire safety and ensuring sufficient water pressure for firefighting operations. Fire Protection Observations Electric Fire Pump & Control Components The electric fire pump motor is visible, along with controllers and associated piping. The system appears to be a part of a standpipe or sprinkler system, essential for high-rise buildings or large facilities. Electrical conduit connections must be inspected for damage, corrosion, or loose fittings, as these can impact pump reliability. Supervisory Tamper & Control Valves The OS&Y (Outside Stem and Yoke) valve and other control valves are tagged, indicating they are either closed for maintenance or locked in an operational position. Tamper switches and electrical supervision ensure proper valve status monitoring to prevent accidental shutdowns. Pump Testing & Maintenance Requirements Pressure gauges should be monitored to confirm adequate suction and discharge pressures. NFPA 25 (Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems) requires weekly churn tests and annual flow tests for fire pumps. The pump room should have adequate ventilation to prevent overheating of electrical components. Recommendations for Fire Safety Compliance ✔ Ensure fire pump controllers are functional and free from faults, per NFPA 20 standards. ✔ Verify the electrical supply and emergency power backup to ensure pump operation during an outage. ✔ Confirm valves are in their proper position and under fire alarm system supervision. ✔ Conduct routine performance tests to verify that the pump meets required flow and pressure rates. This fire pump system is a critical life safety component, and its reliability is essential in the event of a fire. Regular testing and maintenance are key to ensuring compliance with fire protection standards.
Electric Fire Pump for Standpipe
The photo shows a severely fire-damaged bedroom with extensive destruction. The walls are heavily blackened with soot, and large portions of the drywall have bubbled and peeled away due to extreme heat exposure. The ceiling is partially collapsed, revealing burnt wooden beams and structural damage. In the center of the room, a crib with a charred frame is visible, indicating that the space may have been a nursery. Nearby, a bed is heavily burned, with its mattress and bedding reduced to ash and debris. The floor is covered in fire-damaged materials, including remnants of furniture, insulation, and ceiling fragments. A window in the background appears to have been shattered or melted due to intense heat, allowing daylight to illuminate the destruction inside. The room's overall condition suggests a severe fire, likely requiring a thorough investigation into the cause and extent of the damage.
Fire Investigation Bedroom
The image depicts a metal mesh security gate obstructing an exit door. The presence of a barricade like this can significantly hinder egress during emergencies, violating fire safety regulations. Emergency exits must remain unobstructed and easily accessible to ensure a safe evacuation route. This image likely highlights a fire code compliance issue.
Obstructed Exit with Metal Cage
The image shows multiple metal barrels labeled "Würth" and containing brake and parts cleaner, specifically heptane, a highly flammable liquid. The barrels have hazardous material symbols, including a flame icon indicating flammability. One barrel in the foreground has a pump attachment with connected cables and clips, possibly for grounding or dispensing purposes. The setup appears to be in an industrial or workshop setting, with multiple stacked barrels stored together. This configuration suggests a potential fire hazard if not handled properly.
Improper Storage of Flammable Liquids
The image shows a close-up view of a white rectangular duct, likely part of an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. The duct is mounted on a wall and features a rectangular access panel with rounded corners and a handle for maintenance or inspection. The metal duct is securely attached to the wall with brackets, and the overall setting suggests an industrial or building environment focused on air circulation or ventilation systems with a fire damper mounted in the duct to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The access panel provides access to the fire damper to be inspected.
Access Panel for Fire Damper Inspection
The image shows a control panel for a building's ventilation and pressurization system. It features multiple labeled switches and indicators for various fans, including make-up air (M.U.A.) units, garage exhaust fans, stairwell pressurization fans, and an elevator shaft pressurization fan. Each section has a fan status indicator light (green for "on" and yellow for "off") and a three-way switch with "Off," "Auto," and "On" settings for manual or automatic fan control. This type of panel is commonly used in high-rise buildings to maintain proper air exhaust, smoke control, and pressurization in emergency situations.
Control Switches in CACF
The image shows two firefighters, dressed in full firefighting gear including helmets and protective clothing, engaged in what appears to be a training exercise or a controlled burn. One firefighter is standing outside a small structure, holding a hose, while the other firefighter is inside the structure, which is filled with smoke. The structure is made of wood and has a charred appearance at the top, indicating exposure to fire. Inside the structure, there is a small wooden cabinet and a white object that looks like a clock or a timer. The scene is set outdoors on a grassy area with a clear sky in the background. This image highlights the training and preparedness activities of firefighters, showcasing the importance of their role in fire safety and emergency response.
Burn Cell Post Fire
The image shows a silver Toyota RAV4 parked in an underground parking garage. The vehicle is positioned close to a red fire hose cabinet, partially obstructing access to it. The parking spot is marked with the number "119" on the white wall. Red fire sprinkler pipes run along the ceiling, and there is a white pipe with yellow tape attached to the wall. The garage is lit with artificial lighting. The car has a dealership frame from "Don Valley North Toyota," indicating it is registered in Ontario.
Obstructed Fire Hose Cabinet
The image shows a hallway with a locked metal security gate restricting access. The presence of this barrier could pose a potential obstruction to the means of egress, which is crucial for safe evacuation during an emergency. Proper egress routes must remain unobstructed and accessible to comply with fire safety regulations. The image appears to highlight an inspection or assessment of compliance with building safety and fire codes.
Obstructed Access to Exit
This image captures a fire pump test in progress, an essential procedure for ensuring the reliability of a building's fire protection system. Key Fire Protection Considerations Fire Pump Performance Verification: The individuals appear to be measuring pump speed using a tachometer, which helps verify that the pump operates at the correct RPM to maintain required water pressure and flow rates. Ensuring proper speed is critical for the pump to meet NFPA 20 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection) performance requirements. Instrumentation and Pressure Monitoring: The presence of pressure gauges suggests that flow rate and system pressure are being recorded to ensure the pump is delivering the necessary water supply. If pressure is too low, the system may fail to meet demand during a fire, while excessive pressure can damage piping and sprinkler heads. Preventative Maintenance & Compliance: Regular fire pump testing is required under NFPA 25 (Standard for Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems). Proper documentation of readings ensures compliance with fire code regulations and identifies potential maintenance issues before failure occurs. Recommended Best Practices ✔ Ensure all test results are documented in compliance with local fire codes. ✔ Verify tachometer accuracy to confirm RPM readings are within the pump manufacturer’s specifications. ✔ Check for any leaks, unusual noises, or vibrations that could indicate mechanical issues. ✔ Confirm the pump starts automatically when simulated fire conditions are introduced. A properly tested and maintained fire pump is critical for life safety and property protection, ensuring that adequate water supply is available in the event of a fire.
Taking Tachometer Reading Fire Pump Testing
The photo shows a close-up view of an upright fire sprinkler head manufactured by "GLOBE." The sprinkler head is metallic and appears aged, with signs of corrosion. The deflector plate, which helps distribute water in a spray pattern, has a serrated circular shape. The sprinkler is mounted on a pipe, likely part of a fire suppression system in a building. The background is a beige or light-colored ceiling. This type of fire sprinkler is an essential component of automatic fire protection systems, designed to activate when high temperatures trigger the internal mechanism, releasing water to suppress fires.
Corroded Sprinkler Head
The image shows a fire prevention officer wearing a fire department uniform, inspecting an annunciator panel. The panel is mounted on a beige brick or stone wall and contains various labeled indicators and controls. The officer is pointing at a specific section of the panel, likely checking system status or troubleshooting an alarm. The setting appears to be a public or commercial building, given the professional fire safety inspection. Below the panel, a ventilation grille is visible, and to the right, a small red fire alarm pull station is mounted on the wall. The image suggests an official fire safety inspection or system check to ensure proper functionality of the building's fire alarm system.
Fire Alarm Annunciator Inspection
The image shows three men wearing white hard hats conducting a water flow test at an industrial or construction site. One man in the foreground, wearing a red and black jacket, is taking a pitot tube reading of pressure while the water is flowing forcefully by the fire pump. Water is forcefully flowing out of the hose, indicating a pressure test or system inspection. The other two men, one in a gray sweatshirt and jeans and the other in a dark jacket, are observing the process closely and recording readings. The setting appears to be an outdoor industrial area with concrete surfaces and some pipes visible in the background. The scene suggests a professional inspection or maintenance activity related to fire protection systems.
Taking Pitot Tube Reading for Fire Pump Testing
The image shows a smoke shaft, made of masonry designed for smoke ventilation, typically found in buildings to aid in fire safety and smoke control. The shaft is lined with concrete or plaster and has a visible rough patch, possibly a firestopping seal or a repair in the wall. A metal wire mesh is installed in the foreground, likely serving as a protective barrier to prevent unauthorized access or debris from entering the shaft. The shaft appears to extend downward, indicating its function in channeling smoke safely out of the building during a fire emergency. The shaft spans the entire height of the apartment building and has a door access on every floor level for firefighters to ventilate the building where excessive smoke is present hampering firefighting activities.
Building Smoke Exhaust Shaft
The image shows a damaged fire alarm pull station mounted on a wall. The device appears to be missing key components, which could prevent it from functioning properly in an emergency. Fire alarm pull stations are critical for initiating an alarm and alerting occupants of a fire hazard. A broken or inoperative pull station poses a significant safety risk and should be repaired or replaced to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Broken Pull Station
This image captures a firefighting demonstration at what appears to be a community or fire department open house event. A firefighter is assisting a young participant in using a fire hose to spray water at a mock building target. The event is likely an educational activity designed to engage the public, particularly children, in fire safety awareness and firefighting techniques. The bright outdoor setting and presence of safety personnel emphasize a hands-on learning experience in a controlled environment.
Community Engagement
The image shows an illuminated emergency exit sign mounted on a concrete block wall. The sign features a running figure indicating the direction of an emergency exit. However, a cardboard box labeled "Bug B Gon" is being held in front of the sign, partially obstructing its visibility. A metal ladder leans against the wall near a brown door with a latch, which appears to be an exit obstructed by the ladder. The lighting in the area is yellowish, possibly from industrial or warehouse-style lighting. The image suggests a safety hazard due to the obstruction of the emergency sign, which could hinder visibility in an actual emergency.
Obstructed Exit Door
The image shows a worker in a high-visibility safety vest and protective gear conducting a fire pump test. He is operating the fire test header, releasing a powerful stream of water from a red play pipe mounted on the exterior of a large industrial or commercial building. The surrounding area appears to be a construction site or an area with unfinished ground. This test ensures that the sprinkler & standpipe systems are functioning correctly and providing adequate water pressure and sufficient water quantity for fire emergencies.
Sprinkler Fire Pump Testing
The image depicts a heat detector inside a smoke exhaust shaft, covered in a thick layer of dust and debris. The accumulation could hinder its functionality. This heat detector is designed to activate when exposed to high temperatures, triggering the automatic opening of the smoke shaft cover to expel smoke from the building. As a crucial fire safety device, it detects temperature increases and initiates alarms or suppression systems. However, excessive dust buildup may cause malfunctions, delays in response, or false alarms. Routine maintenance and cleaning are essential to ensure optimal performance and reliable fire protection.
Smoke Shaft Dirty Heat Detector
This image highlights a fire safety concern regarding the placement of an exit sign. Issues Identified: Exit Sign Points Toward a Wall The sign directs people toward a solid wall instead of a clear exit path. This could cause confusion in an emergency and slow evacuation efforts. Code Compliance Concern Fire and building codes (such as NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code) require exit signs to accurately indicate the correct path to egress. Misleading signage can violate fire safety regulations and lead to liability issues. Recommended Actions: ✔ Verify the correct exit route and reposition the sign to accurately reflect the escape path. ✔ Conduct a fire safety audit to ensure all exit signs are properly installed and visible. ✔ Remove or replace conflicting signs that could mislead building occupants. ✔ Ensure compliance with fire codes by consulting local fire authorities or safety inspectors. This issue should be corrected immediately to prevent confusion during an emergency.
Directional Exit Sign Pointing to Wall
The image shows a pressurization fan with visible rust, corrosion, and dust buildup on its components, including the motor, belts, and pulley system. This could indicate poor maintenance, which may impact the fan’s efficiency and reliability. Pressurization fans are crucial for maintaining proper air circulation and preventing smoke migration in stairwells and other critical areas during a fire. Lack of maintenance could lead to operational failure, reducing their effectiveness in an emergency. It would be advisable to inspect, clean, and service the fan to ensure it functions properly and meets safety standards.
Smoke Control Pressurization Fan

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