The training is designed to give them a solid underpinning foundation in building construction and fire safety so they can assess quickly a structure type and know the approach required if a fire occurs. The classifications vary depending on the amount of combustibles and the type.

Fire-resistive constructions are usually high-rise. These buildings are built primarily from fire-resistant material like heat-resistant concrete and steel. They may, however, contain combustible furniture and fittings. A fire is contained in a single section as long and as effectively as possible. Type 1 is the classification for fire-resistive buildings.

The second class of building is called ‘noncombustible.’ The buildings are not as well-built as Type 1 building, but the aim is to make them as non-combustible. Materials used for the walls and roofs are usually non-combustible. This includes concrete, heat resistance steel, reinforced mortar, tilt slabs (as well as fire resistant structural and insulating membranes), foam and steel decking. Fixtures, fittings and other items are frequently combustible. Most modern commercial and industrial buildings, including strip malls, warehouses, and shopping centres are classified as Type 2 buildings.

Type III constructions are composed of both combustibles (such as reinforced masonry, concrete tilt slabs) and noncombustibles. Outer walls will usually be non-combustible. Type III installations are known as ‘ordinary building’.

Most of us love old heavy timber structures from the early and mid 1900’s. These buildings have interiors with beautiful wooden floors, timber roofing, and heavy timber beams. The exteriors of these structures are typically reinforced masonry that is non-combustible. Heavy timber is considered to be an’slow igniting’ material. It will still burn, but with a little heat and a decent amount of flame. These structures are referred to as Type IV and are classified by ‘heavy-timber’. Type IV structures are likely to include a lot of heritage-listed constructions. Type IV houses are not combustible, but they can be a challenge for firefighters because of their age or the level of maintenance that they’ve had over their lifetime. The presence of dry rot and termites can make it difficult to fight fires.

The fifth construction category is wood-frame structures. It is not surprising that the majority of residential building are Type-V structures. These buildings consist primarily of combustible building materials.