MORE REAR PORCHES

Although this type of construction is routinely found in cities around the United States, it is not all that uncommon to find them in the Main Streets of small town America.

WorkingFireChief.com has posted photos of rear porches in the past, but this type of configuration continues to pose challenges for operating fire units.

Did you know that years ago, most rear porches attached to row homes were not enclosed? Often times, the rear porch area was used for storage or even contained vertical shafts to distribute heat form the oil/coal furnace in the basement to upper floors. Once they were converted to allow for additional living space, the shafts were routinely left in-place and covered over. This would obviously present a challenge for companies trying to get ahead of a rapidly extending fire.

Another point to ponder, is that nearly all rear porches are wood frame. Although they are commonly attached to ordinary constructed homes. This is a factor that needs to be remembered when thinking of the structural integrity of both the home and rear porch.