On April 15, 2019, a fire started in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Believed by authorities to have been caused by an electrical malfunction or lit cigarette, the lack of an effective fire safety design contributed to the flames spreading rapidly. It took over 12 hours to extinguish it, resulting in severe damage to two-thirds of the roof and toppling of the spire. Understanding some of the reasons the fire spread so quickly can help you protect your own office or workplace. To help you prepare for the unexpected, here are some of the takeaways of the Notre Dame fire.

Inadequate Fire Suppression Solutions

The fire started in the attic, possibly on dust-covered wood beams. Although a smoke alarm went off, authorities could not see any embers. By the time the second alarm sounded 23 minutes later, the area was engulfed in flames. The lack of fire-resistant walls allowed heat transfer, spreading the fire to other rooms.

If a fire erupts in your building, having these heat-proof walls will help contain the flames. The cathedral also lacked sprinkler systems, which would have helped suppress the issue before it grew. Apart from this fire safety equipment, your building should also have a ventilation system to direct any smoke to the outside. Ensure your office is regularly dusted, since these particles further sped up the rate at which the flames ate away at the wood.

Inaccessible Structure

The structural design of the cathedral also played a role in how long it took to stop the inferno. The winding staircase made firefighter accessibility difficult. Your multi-story building should have at least two designated stairwells enclosed in fire-resistant walls. One can be used for building evacuation while the other allows firefighters to enter the location to stop the flames.

From the ground, water from fire hoses also couldn’t reach the cathedral’s vaulted ceiling. To assist fire suppression efforts, incorporate a flat roof into your building’s fire safety design. Metal, slate, and tile are three materials with fire-resistant properties, helping you keep your building safe.

The professionals at Fire Protection Specialists in Bangor, WI, will help incorporate the above strategies into your fire safety design. Their staff is committed to helping commercial clients throughout the La Crosse County, WI, area ensure their properties meet building safety guidelines. Visit their Facebook page for updates, view their services on their website, or call (800) 658-9463 to discuss your fire safety design needs.