Last weekend we spent some time in Galena, Ill. Before the Civil War, Galena was one of the largest cities in Illinois. Now this quaint village of 3000 people in the northwest corner of the state has become the third most popular tourist destination in Illinois. Some believe people visit for the nearby ski resort, golf courses, artsy shopping, and restaurants. But I'm convinced it's the brick.

Downtown is almost 100% masonry construction, with about 90% made of brick. These buildings have stood the test of time. In 1968, more than 85% of the structures were designated as Historical Landmarks. Walking down Main Street puts you into a nostalgic mood. One begins to think that perhaps life was simpler back in the 1850s.

But the pre-Civil War days were tougher than now, so decisions were more pragmatic. For example, why did owners choose brick? Was the decision based on style, material availability, or price?

We learned the answer on the Galena Trolley History Tour. The city's investors opted for brick because it created a sense of wealth and permanence. The guide explained that in 1856, the city commission mandated brick only after there had been a series of fires that almost destroyed the town.

Many in the group seemed surprised of brick's important role in public safety. And from the group's reaction, I believe masonry's role in fire safety has become ancient history with no connection to today. People just expect buildings to be safe. Maybe the current generation of building and fire officials have also forgotten masonry's historic role in fire safety.

At World of Concrete, masonry leaders met to reaffirm their commitment to a national masonry marketing effort. They are reconnecting with key decision makers. I hope they choose fire safety as one of the marketing points. Brick's role is a great place to rekindle the public's respect for masonry.

Firefighter safety
Here's proof of why the masonry industry needs to get back to fire basics. The Chicago Fire Department, with help from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), recently began a research project to improve firefighting tactics and reduce firefighters' fatalities and injuries. The project is part of a new Firefighter Safety Research Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

UL has built two houses and is setting controlled large-scale fires inside a cavernous 10,000-square-foot test chamber at its Large Scale Fire Test and Training Facility. Data gathered from the study will enhance understanding of fire behavior in homes when affected by open doors and broken windows. They will use computer simulations based on the fire results in structures that are representative of styles built before 1980 and homes built more recently.

Why are they doing this? “Based on prior research and strong anecdotal evidence, fire experts believe that changes in newer contemporary-style construction, including the use of manufactured lumber components, new building materials, more synthetic home furnishings, and the size and geometry of new homes, have changed the dynamics of residential fires,” researchers explained. “Compared to the way older homes were built using heavy timber, larger joists, full penetration nails, and hardwood furniture, newer construction factors are contributing to rapid fire-spread and a notable decrease in tenability limits.” And by the way, who is providing some research funds on trying to upgrade fire safety on wooden structures? The wood industry. Perhaps they know they have a problem. Maybe the masonry industry should strike at this Achilles' heel.

Masonry industry leaders must follow up on this. In other words, our government is spending money to prove that non-masonry homes are more dangerous to firefighters and residents than masonry homes. Imagine the spin we can put on these results.

For example, if we could provide research that masonry structures increase firefighter safety, wouldn't they become an ally to all masons? I wouldn't be surprised to discover that masonry structures can have larger windows and doors, more open space, and other code design features regarding fire safety.

What's the economic reason? Only about 15% of all new residential construction is masonry. You do the math.