“The Great Escape: Navigating High-Rise Fire Hazards”

18 September, 2024

With high-rise apartments, fire incidents are a significant concern due to the complex structure of these buildings and the high population density. Fires in such structures can quickly spread and lead to severe casualties.

High-rise fires are typically intense, fast-spreading, and challenging to extinguish. They pose a severe threat to the lives of residents. In the event of a major fire in a high-rise building, should one run upstairs or downstairs to escape and ensure their safety?

Should you run up or down during a high-rise fire?

According to guidelines provided by fire safety authorities, upon discovering a fire, individuals must remain calm and quickly seek solutions to extinguish the flames using fire extinguishers, CO2 cylinders, sand, blankets, water, etc. If the fire is too large to be controlled, one must immediately consider evacuation plans.

Promptly press the building’s alarm bell to alert other residents. Inform everyone about the fire and call 114 to notify the Firefighting Police Force.

In case of a fire in a high-rise building, should you run upstairs or downstairs? (Source: CNN)

When a fire breaks out in a high-rise building, whether to run upstairs or downstairs depends on the fire’s location. If the fire did not originate on your floor, your first priority is to identify the source of the fire and smoke. If the smoke is coming from above or is present on your floor, quickly move towards the exit and escape downstairs, avoiding the use of elevators.

However, if the fire starts from a lower floor, especially the first floor, and the flames are uncontrollable, the situation becomes more complex. The fire will inadvertently block the escape route through the stairwell and the building’s main entrance.

Smoke will rise rapidly in such cases. Therefore, residents on lower floors, within a height of 3.5 meters, can consider escaping through windows or balconies if safe conditions are met, such as having a safety rope for climbing down.

If safe conditions are not met, do not attempt to jump, as the chances of survival are slim. Instead, consider moving upwards to higher floors or the rooftop, seeking a safe area, and closing the door to isolate yourself from the fire. Ideally, look for areas with windows or balconies that provide good ventilation and an ample supply of oxygen.

If there are gaps under the door of the room, use damp towels or blankets to block them and prevent smoke from entering.

In summary, during a fire in a high-rise building, if the fire originates from an upper floor, escape downstairs. If the fire starts from a lower floor and the escape route downstairs is blocked, head towards the rooftop as soon as possible. If you encounter fire or smoke while heading upstairs or if your path is blocked, be decisive and change your escape route, opting for a safe exit on another floor.

Escape strategies during a high-rise fire

Here are some basic skills to help you escape in case of a fire in a high-rise building.

Stay Calm and Extinguish the Fire

The primary factor in surviving a fire is maintaining calmness and quickly implementing escape methods. When dealing with a small fire, try to put it out using fire extinguishers, CO2 cylinders, sand, blankets, water, or any other available means.

If the fire is too large to control, immediately seek an escape route. Shout to alert others in the building, and then press 114 for assistance.

Identify a Safe Escape Route

If the fire did not originate from your room or floor, you must quickly determine the fire’s location and the direction of smoke to plan the fastest escape route for yourself and your family. As mentioned earlier, if the fire is on an upper floor, head downstairs. Conversely, if the fire starts on a lower floor, move upwards towards the rooftop.

Never hide in a room and lock the door, as smoke spreads rapidly, and inhaling excessive smoke can lead to unconsciousness and death.

If the fire blocks your path in the hallway, move towards a more spacious and ventilated area, such as a balcony. Remember to close the balcony door and use wet towels to block the smoke from entering.

Do Not Use the Elevator

During a fire, avoid using the elevator as a means of escape. The power supply may be cut off, and you could get trapped inside.

Instead, opt for the stairwell and follow the “EXIT” signs to safety. Also, inform your neighbors in nearby apartments about the fire.

Find a Hiding Place to Avoid Smoke Inhalation

Most fire-related deaths result from smoke inhalation. To prevent this, use a wet cloth or towel to cover your mouth and nose, creating a makeshift air filter. Stay away from enclosed spaces and areas with potential explosion hazards, such as gas cylinders, refrigerators, and air conditioners.

To avoid smoke inhalation, you can create a temporary shelter by placing a wet mattress at a 45-degree angle against the balcony wall and sitting in the space created underneath. The smoke will slide along the mattress and rise upwards. This is one of the essential fire escape skills you should know.

Note when moving: When moving, stay low and close to the wall. When opening doors, check the temperature to avoid being burned by the fire. If the temperature is too high, look for an alternative escape route.

According to VTC news

Frequently asked questions

High-rise buildings are more vulnerable to fires due to several factors. Firstly, the height of the building creates a ‘stack effect’, where fires can quickly spread upwards as hot air rises. Secondly, the large number of combustible materials used in construction, such as wood, plastic, and insulation, provides fuel for fires. Additionally, high-rises often have complex layouts with multiple floors and compartments, making it challenging for residents to evacuate and for firefighters to access and control the blaze.

Common fire hazards in high-rise buildings include electrical faults, such as faulty wiring, overloaded power boards, and outdated appliances. Also, open-flame devices like candles and incense can pose risks if left unattended. Flammable liquids and gases, often stored in basements or lower floors, can ignite and lead to explosions. Additionally, combustible materials used in construction and furnishings, such as wood, carpet, and upholstery, can fuel fires.

Residents of high-rise buildings should familiarize themselves with the fire escape plan and ensure that exit routes are clear and unobstructed. Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors in your unit, and test them regularly. In the event of a fire, stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling smoke, use a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth, and use the stairs instead of the elevator to evacuate. If trapped, close doors, stuff wet towels or clothing in gaps to prevent smoke from entering, open windows for fresh air, and signal for help.

Building managers should ensure that fire safety systems, such as sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers, are regularly maintained and compliant with local regulations. Conduct frequent fire drills and educate residents on fire safety practices and escape routes. Implement strict policies for the safe storage and handling of flammable materials and ensure that the building’s exterior is free of combustible materials. Regularly inspect and maintain the building’s fire doors, and keep stairwells and exit routes clear and well-lit.

Firefighters should be equipped with specialized high-rise firefighting equipment, such as aerial ladders, personal protective gear, and breathing apparatus. Establish a command post to coordinate efforts and ensure a constant water supply for firefighting operations. Use a ‘defensive attack’ strategy by focusing on containing the fire to the floor of origin and preventing it from spreading vertically. Utilize ventilation tactics to control smoke and heat, and establish multiple rescue sectors to evacuate residents efficiently.