Fire Protection
Fire Sciences Meets Safe Engineering Solutions


Overview

At Burns & McDonnell, we provide safe, compliant fire protection solutions to address the dynamic challenges faced by the industries we serve. We combine science, engineering, and industry-leading technologies to safeguard life, property, and operations. As a full-service, AEC firm with more than 70 years of specialized experience, our trusted team designs fire protection systems that aid in preventing, controlling, and mitigating the effects of fires.

10+

Offices With Fire Protection Personnel

80+

Dedicated Fire Protection Personnel

40+

Registered Fire Protection Engineers

10+

NICET Certified Personnel

20+

Countries

1,700+

Fire Protection Projects


Leadership Team

Anthony Schoenecker

Fire Protection Director

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Jeff Dew

Fire Protection Department Manager

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Adam DeGroff

Fire Protection Section Manager

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Background

Anthony Schoenecker

Fire Protection Director

Connect on LinkedIn  

Jeff Dew

Department Manager

Connect on LinkedIn  

Adam DeGroff

Section Manager

Connect on LinkedIn  


Improve Site Certainty With Tailored Solutions to PFAS & Emerging Contaminants

Fire Suppression Systems

Our team designs and implements reliable fire pump systems and water storage tanks to support fire suppression systems and provide consistent water supply and pressure. The system is tailored to your diverse needs, including foam systems, firewater storage, fire pumps, water storage tanks, underground distribution and more. Whatever your operations may need, we develop comprehensive on-site utility solutions and water-based solutions to support and safeguard your facilities.

Fire Alarms and Mass Notification Systems

Incorporating cutting-edge infrared flame detection technology to enhance the accuracy and reliability of fire detection and reduce false alarms, our team implements manual control stations for foam-based fire suppression systems to allow immediate activation or deactivation in emergencies. We also design and integrate comprehensive mass notification systems to provide clear and effective communication during emergencies, using advanced detection and voice evacuations.

Life Safety Systems

We specialize in life safety systems design as an integral part of our engineering services. Our approach encompasses comprehensive assessments of means of egress, building construction, occupant loading, emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, smoke control strategies and more, all tailored to facilitate a safe facility. We review compliance with building codes and industry standards while integrating best practices to create environments that are both functional and secure. By collaborating closely with architects, engineers and safety professionals, we develop customized strategies that address potential hazards and enhance occupant awareness.

Firewater Supply and Infrastructure

With a long history of designing these systems, our team optimizes the firewater supply infrastructure through distribution systems, storage tanks, hydrants and pumps. Beyond meeting local codes and standards, the team reviews risk analysis and uses performance-based designs considering potential factors like critical equipment, zoning, surrounding environments and processes.

Building Code and Life Safety Code Consulting

Our team reclassifies buildings to eliminate costly upgrades including fire suppression, fire barriers and fire walls. Our specialized solutions address unique project challenges such as false activation prevention, utility-independent fire protection systems, and integration with existing fire alarm reporting systems. We also leverage technologies like infrared flame detection, smoke detectors and manual foam start/stop stations.

Preliminary Assessment, Design and Construction Services

Providing on-site support during construction to see through proper installation and adherence to design specifications, we perform testing and verification to confirm operational readiness and code compliance, including preliminary acceptance testing (PAT) and final acceptance testing (FAT). Additionally, our team provides comprehensive support from the initial development of the proposal package to the full design bid package and construction of the project.

Fire Protection and Hazardous Material Assessments

Our team provides periodic fire protection, life safety, fire hazards and fire risk assessments designed to verify the compliance and effectiveness of systems. Our experienced team provides comprehensive assessments and tailored recommendations to maintain code compliance without incurring undue costs.

Fire Hazard and Risk Analysis

By working with businesses to identify and evaluate potential fire risks in industrial and commercial environments, our team provides actionable insights to reduce risk and safeguard your business. By analyzing how fires might start and spread and considering factors like materials, processes, and building design, we provide tailored strategies to mitigate hazards to minimize risks and protect your people, property, and operations.

PFAS-Contaminated Fire Suppression Conversions

Airlines are turning to solutions to keep aircraft rescue and firefighting fire suppression materials compliant with the latest PFAS regulations. Our team is prepared to identify and manage PFAS-containing materials, coordinate waste disposal and management, and evaluate treatment and remediation solutions on a site-specific basis.

The Burns & McDonnell Difference

Commitment to Safety and Compliance

At Burns & McDonnell, our safety performance is ranked among the top 5% safest architecture, engineering and construction firms. We work hard to produce designs that are in compliance with the latest Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)and other standards, seeing through top-level safety and compliance with detailed review processes to protect your property and people.

Client-Centric Approach and Proven Performance and Reliability

We prioritize your satisfaction by working closely with you to achieve and surpass your goals. Our partnerships with clients like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Air Force are a testament to our commitment. Since 2012, we’ve completed more than 325 task orders under 39+ IDIQ contracts for the USACE, consistently delivering on time, within budget and beyond expectations.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement

As active contributors to fire protection standards and code development, we are at the forefront of industry advancements. Our solutions are based on the latest best practices and innovations, to continue providing our clients with optimal safety and efficiency.

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At this time, Burns & McDonnell is not offering pure architectural services in the states of Illinois, Montana, New Hampshire or New Jersey. We may, however, provide design-build services for architectural projects.