Latest news with #highRiseBuildings
UAE Moments
4 days ago
- General
- UAE Moments
High-Rise Fires: Causes and How to Extinguish Them
High-rise buildings present unique fire safety challenges due to their height, dense occupancy, and complex structures. From faulty electrical systems to careless human behavior, understanding the causes of high-rise fires is the first step in prevention and preparedness. Top Causes of Fires in High-Rise Buildings Electrical Malfunctions Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and aging electrical systems are leading causes. Appliances left plugged in or faulty extension cords also contribute. Cooking Accidents Unattended cooking in apartments or staff pantries can quickly escalate. Oil and grease fires are particularly dangerous. Heating Equipment Portable heaters placed too close to flammable materials. Malfunctioning central heating systems. Smoking Materials Cigarettes improperly discarded in trash chutes or near balconies. Often a cause of fires during late-night hours when detection is delayed. Arson and Vandalism Intentional fire setting in stairwells, basements, or storage areas. Sometimes linked to disputes or security lapses. Flammable Materials Storage Cleaning supplies, paint, and solvents stored improperly in maintenance rooms. Inadequate ventilation can increase risk. How to Extinguish Fires in High-Rise Buildings Extinguishing fires in high-rises requires speed, knowledge, and the right equipment: Essential Fire Safety Training for Residents and Staff 1. Fire Extinguisher Training: Learn the PASS technique: Pull the pin Aim at the base Squeeze the handle Sweep side to side 2. Evacuation Drills: Regular drills ensure familiarity with: Primary and secondary escape routes. Designated assembly points. Roles for floor wardens and staff during emergencies. 3. Understanding Fire Alarm Systems: Residents and staff should know: What the alarms sound like. How to respond immediately without panic. How to assist elderly or disabled occupants. 4. Basic Fire Behavior Awareness: Training should cover: How quickly fires can spread in high-rise structures. Dangers of smoke inhalation. Why staying low and checking doors for heat is critical. 5. Maintenance Staff Training: Maintenance personnel should be trained to: Check and maintain fire extinguishers and alarms. Inspect electrical and heating systems regularly. Ensure exits and stairwells are clear at all times. High-rise fires are preventable with vigilance, proper equipment, and consistent training. Understanding the top causes, from electrical faults to human negligence, helps residents and building managers take proactive measures. Remember, while extinguishing small fires is possible, evacuation should always take priority when in doubt. Regular fire safety training can save lives, protect property, and ensure a safer environment for everyone in high-rise buildings.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
London Fire Brigade: More flats found to have fire safety defects
Hundreds of blocks of flats in London still have serious fire safety defects, according to new figures from the London Fire Brigade (LFB).More than 1,400 buildings have simultaneous evacuation plans should a fire break out in the block, indicating that they are unsafe for residents to "stay put".Stay put - which was the initial advice for Grenfell tower and which remains the fire policy in most high-rise buildings - relies on a building being properly constructed. Regulations should prevent fire spreading from one flat to another for at least 60 Daffarn, of Grenfell United, said the latest figures showed that Londoners were "still going to sleep in buildings that aren't safe". Seventy-two people died in the Grenfell fire in north Kensington on 14 June then, the safety of high-rise homes across the capital has been brought into focus, with the LFB checking cladding, fire doors, windows and the compartmentation of flats. The LFB said the number of buildings with simultaneous evacuation guidance in place had risen following its most recent count to 1, are 883 buildings more than 26ft (18m) tall on the evacuation list, and 565 buildings under 26ft (18m) on the list. 'We need to create a legacy' Mr Daffarn escaped from the 16th floor of Grenfell. He said: "Eight years ago, standing underneath the burning wreckage of Grenfell Tower, I was convinced it would be the catalyst for societal change; that something so awful, which resulted in the horrific loss of 72 lives, could not happen without things changing."And yet we sit here eight years later and people are still going to sleep in buildings that aren't safe."We need to create a legacy for Grenfell that means that people that live in social housing, people that live in high-rise blocks, are treated with respect and live in safe buildings." A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: "[We] have been clear that the pace of remediation has been too slow for too long."That's why we are taking decisive action through our Remediation Acceleration Plan to fix unsafe buildings by 2029 faster, while we continue to support residents and identify buildings at risk."
