medal day 2011 James Gordon Bennett Medal
NYS Honorary Fire Chiefs Association Medal
FIREFIGHTER PETER G. DEMONTREUX
FDNY LADDER COMPANY 132
Generally, brownstones are considered to be well-constructed
and capable of withstanding the ravages of fire. This is possible since they are made of brick and stone, giving them their strength, but brownstones also contain fire and heat as do non-fireproof buildings. These factors offer the occupants security, but also make it challenging for Firefighters initiating searches and rescues.
As strong as the exterior of these buildings are, they are nearly all wood on the inside, with open interior stairs that allow fire to travel quickly. This is further complicated by the lack of fire escapes (front and rear), since these are considered private dwellings. In reality, very few are private dwellings. The brownstone at 175 Putnam Avenue is a classic example-four stories, with limited access to the upper floors and rear of the building. MORE