Not like fighting a basement fire wasn't dangerous to begin with, but now us brother and sister firefighters need to worry about the structural integrity of what contractors and/or engineers feel are adequate materials for "lightweight stairs".  We all understand that when a dwelling is being built, fire protection is not the utmost priority.  For us firefighters, it would seem as though it should be but time and money are factors that drive the industry.  Frank Brannigan always preached, "Know Your Enemy" relating to building construction. So this hazard alert is based from a firefighter's view reference to firefighter safety.  The concern was first presented to me from a good friend in the industry about two years ago. Over that period of time, I had not been seen them used in the industry. Now a few months later they are starting to be more prevelant in areas where newer, lightweight homes and/or multi family structures are being built.