Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

[E40FDNYL35]

PARTICULARS OF THE INCIDENT:
A fire in a renovated taxpayer extended from the original store and ignited the overhang and front exterior wall of the building. Both the overhang and the exterior wall were coated with Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS).
EIFS is a building product that covers exterior walls with an insulating and waterproofing finish. The exterior surface looks like stucco. The prime component of EIFS is expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) – Styrofoam.
In a matter of seconds, the fire extended to the exterior and spread quickly down the row of stores. The entire 250' frontage and overhang suddenly erupted in flames. Heat from the fire caused the EPS to liquefy and ignite, raining fire down from the overhang. Quick actions by the first due units kept the fire from extending into the adjoining stores.

LESSONS LEARNED OR REINFORCED:
1. Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) can be found in all areas of the city, on any type of building.
2. EIFS is being used more frequently by builders because it saves space inside the building by putting the insulation on the outside of the building.
3. Decisive action is required to position hoselines and get a quick knockdown.
4. A charged hoseline should be stretched to cover the entire building frontage.
5. It is important to have a back-up charged hoseline ready to operate to protect members and prevent rapid fire spread.
6. All members must maintain situational awareness, these fires spread very quickly.

[lexfd5]

First, thank you for the post.

Second, I need a little clarification...

Is the EIFS the exterior finish or is there another product (i.e. siding) that covers the EIFS?

[PFDTruck18]

Hi Rise fire a year or so ago in I believe Vegas. Appeared to be only external. Same product?

[Sleeper6]

Just as an additional note, Several years ago we had a similar incident that involved exterior vinyl siding instead of EIFS. Basically the same thing, the building is wrapped with some sort of foam (insulation) then finished with a exterior covering (Stucco, vinyl siding, ect.)

In our case it began as an exterior fire in the landscaping that grew enough to spread to the siding. Upon arrival the entire "A" side exterior was in flames. It quickly melted through the vinyl soffit panels and became an attic fire.

[nameless]

Interesting, I've seen them putting this stuff up around my area too. Figured it wouldn't be too great in fire conditions.


From what I've seen on the stuff it looks like its put up mostly in the front for cosmetic purposes, anyone see it used elsewhere?

[E40FDNYL35]

Hi Rise fire a year or so ago in I believe Vegas. Appeared to be only external. Same product?

Firefighters battles the flames as smoke billows from the top of the Monte Carlo hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada January 25, 2008. A fire broke out on the top floors of the 3,000-room Las Vegas hotel and Casino on Friday, forcing the evacuation of guests and staff and quickly engulfing parts of the building's facade and roof.

[YFDLt08]

Very interesting and thought provoking.

Question: how old is this product do you know? I ask because I wonder what percentage of my response area/city might start to be seeing this product if it's a relatively new product. If it's an old product (50+ years) than it would make up more of our response area.

Thanks.

[jbrescue]

Is the Drive-it (sp?) product that they use on the outside of hotels, etc. the same type of product? This is basically a foam product as well. It is all over the place if this is the case. Great picture.

[Rescue101]

Ray,they're using the same/similar product on these new laminated walls:foam on both sides,poured concrete in the middle.Our local movie house is built this way.I had the builder get me the sheet on the stuff.I want to tell you by memory that the flame spread rate was something like 30.In other words,it burns like a bastard.As you mention,it's covered in Stucco but you know how that works.I added another Engine to that box. T.C.

[FWDbuff]

Ray,they're using the same/similar product on these new laminated walls:foam on both sides,poured concrete in the middle.Our local movie house is built this way.I had the builder get me the sheet on the stuff.I want to tell you by memory that the flame spread rate was something like 30.In other words,it burns like a bastard.As you mention,it's covered in Stucco but you know how that works.I added another Engine to that box. T.C.

Not knowing anything about this product, but wouldn't the IFC/IBC prevent the use of this stuff (under the wall covering materials sections) if it is that flammable? Now mind you I can't remember the EXTERIOR numbers off the top of my head, but I think that I remember all INTERIOR materials must meet ASTM E-84 for flame spread and smoke density indexes..........Just food for thought

[GhostRider73]

This is exactly what Dry-Vit is. I'm not shure how long it has been around, but I know it is well over 10 years.

Matt