Among the several causes of firefighter fatalities that occur in the United States, structural collapse ranks fourth. Brassell and Evans (2003) define structural collapse as the “gradual weakening of structures by fire” (p. 4). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) made public a report indicating that eight firefighters died in 2013 as a result of the roof, floor or ceiling collapses that occurred in separate incidences (Fahy, LeBlanc, & Molis, 2014). It is disheartening that the very people charged with the responsibility of rescuing both victims and property from burning buildings lose their lives in the course of duty. The Continue reading...