51 Conversations With the Wise Old Fire Protection Engineer

In any profession, learning from those experienced in the field has always been and continues to be one of the best methods for those entering the field to learn the science and practice of the profession. Discussions and conversations at meetings, conferences, project sites, or simply during a phone call or over dinner effectively communicate the history and origination of the “hows” and “whys” behind many fundamental concepts of good fire protection.

51 Conversations with the Wise Old Fire Protection Engineer is a collection of discussions between a mentor, the Wise Old Fire Protection Engineer (WOFPE), and their protégé, the Brash Young Fire Protection Engineer (BYFPE). Originally included in the third edition of Industrial Fire Control Concepts, each conversation explores, explains, expands, or clarifies an often misunderstood or misapplied fire protection concept in an informative and entertaining way. Extracted and collected here, these conversations address such topics as fire testing, the limitations of codes and standards, myths about fire alarm and sprinkler systems, electric versus diesel fire pumps, the special fire problems of warehousing, and the purpose of combustible dust testing. Whether young or old, new to fire protection, or have decades of experience, 51 Conversations with the Wise Old Fire Protection Engineer is a valuable addition to any fire protection practitioner’s library.

Jeffrey Moore, PE, FSFPE, is a practicing fire protection engineer in Union, KY. He has over forty years of experience in fire protection engineering, fire protection training, and firefighting. He is licensed in multiple states, was selected as a fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (FSFPE), and is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI). He is also the author of the text Industrial Fire Control Concepts, 3rd Edition.