Fighting structure fires carries with it certain risks. Older buildings have a greater structural integrity than do modern buildings. So, we study building construction (amongst other things).

The new 'let's build it fast and cheap' philosophy to do with many buildings has substantially increased the risk we face when we enter those types of buildings. The 'joists' holding up floors can burn--a single burnt-through joist can cause the whole floor to collapse. Older buildings can have a few burnt through and still provide a floor that doesn't collapse. (And keep in mind that one man's floor can be another man's ceiling. So, what's this about? Funny you should ask.

What happens anywhere in our world today will impact what is happening elsewhere in our world today. In older times, the impact of change in one place would travel more slowly than it does today. I guess what I'm saying is that there are no longer any 'little' pollutions. We are reaching the point of no return from which the human race may not be able to recover in its lifetime.

How many joists you think we got left, and isn't our world and aren't our children worth fighting for?

Bruce M