Fire and Flood Dryout

Historic Hirise Restoration Dry-Out


Challenge
Firefighters were forced to extinguish a fire that originated on the roof of a six floor historic building in downtown Calgary with huge amounts of water. Extinguishing the fire resulted in extensive water damage to the top three floors and elevator shafts. Part of the buildings heating system was disabled from the damages and the outside temperatures were dipping below zero.

Objectives
  • Dry the high-rise structure to its original state
  • Reduce the risk of mould by preventing the conditions
  • Supply temporary heat
The building was built in 1911 -1912 as a multipurpose commercial building accommodating retail stores, offices, living quarters and on the ground floor a grand theatre (now a golf dome), and restaurants. The building was recently designated as a historic site. This designation made it necessary to pay particular attention to preserving the condition of all antique wood working and artifacts from excessive drying.

Solution
Restoration and Clean-Up contractors, teamed up with ICS Group's Emergency Response Rapid-Dry Services Team (ICS). ICS delivered, set up, and configured, equipment for the dry-out operation.
  • The site was analyzed by the ICS Rapid-Dry team to determine optimum dry-out performance.
  • Equipment specified for this application included an ICS Rapid-Dry System that was strategically configured to remove moisture.
  • Humidity and temperature readings were logged to monitor progress and prevent excessive drying.
Result
  • Immediate Rapid-Dry services reduced further humidity damage to structure and contents.
  • The structure was dried to its original state in approximately 4.5 days without damage to woodwork or artifacts.
  • Temporary heat was supplied to the structure where the permanent system was disabled increasing restoration work productivity, business was able to carry on, and pipe freezing and additional flooding was prevented.
  • Conditions for mould growth were reduced successfully.
  • Insurance company reduced insurance claim potential by minimizing additional moisture claims, reducing the possibility of mould growing conditions, and reducing business operational losses.


Additional Resources