The main purpose of this document is to indicate the overall water resources required by the fire service to extinguish a fire depending on building type. This new reference document is therefore a “toolbox” which will act as a basis for the preparation of local regulations regarding external fire control. These regulations could determine, as appropriate, the water supply points and storage tanks required to fight all types of fire in a given area.
There are two types of building in terms of risks:
These are all commonplace buildings. Water storage facilities can be determined in a more general manner. These are mostly homes or public-access buildings.
Special-risk buildings are mainly industrial units. They may store dangerous substances (such as flammable liquids) or house an activity that is conducive to outbreaks of fire (energy production, waste treatment, etc.). Each one must therefore be studied individually to obtain a classification of all potential risks.
To avoid the incidents that special-risk buildings can cause and assist the fire service in fighting fire, technical studies can be conducted to help building owners select the appropriate fire protection system (sprinkler, water mist, high-expansion foam extinguishing system, fixed gas-type extinguishing system, etc.).
More information on external fire control