At 11:10 a.m. on April 21st, a fire broke out on the 6th floor of Building 2 in the Yidajiete high-rise residential complex located in Dalian Xinghai Square. The incident involved the insulation material on the outer wall of the building, which quickly caught fire and filled the area with thick smoke. Firefighters arrived promptly and worked tirelessly to control the blaze. By 11:42 a.m., the fire was completely extinguished, and no casualties were reported. Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire originated on the 6th floor of this 34-story building.
Although the fire has been successfully put out without any loss of life, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with high-rise fires. These types of incidents can be particularly dangerous due to the difficulty in accessing upper floors, the rapid spread of flames, and the challenges of evacuation.
**1. Understanding High-Rise Buildings**
According to fire protection standards, high-rise buildings are defined based on height and usage. For residential buildings, structures with 10 or more floors are classified as high-rises. For non-residential public buildings, any structure over 24 meters in height is considered a high-rise. A building exceeding 100 meters in height is categorized as a super high-rise. These definitions help guide construction, safety regulations, and emergency response protocols.
**2. Construction Requirements for High-Rise Buildings**
High-rise buildings must meet strict construction standards to enhance fire resistance and safety. For example, the horizontal distance between doors, windows, and openings on either side of a firewall should be at least 2 meters. If less than 2 meters, fixed Class B fire-rated doors and windows must be installed.
The rooms housing automatic fire suppression systems, such as equipment rooms, ventilation areas, and air conditioning units, must be separated from other parts of the building by walls with a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours, floors with a 1.5-hour rating, and Class A fire doors. When metal load-bearing structures are used, non-combustible materials must be used for ceilings, soffits, and insulation. Roof components made of metal should be covered with non-combustible materials, painted with fireproof coatings, or equipped with sprinkler systems.
Deformation joints must be constructed using non-combustible materials at their base. Cables, flammable gas lines, and pipelines carrying Class A, B, or C liquids should not be placed within these joints. If they do pass through, non-combustible sleeves must be installed, and the space around them should be filled with non-combustible material.
Smoke exhaust ports should be located on the ceiling or near the ceiling, at least 1.5 meters apart from adjacent exits along the walkway. They should also be at least 1 meter away from combustible objects. Smoke exhaust ports must remain closed under normal conditions and have both manual and automatic opening mechanisms. Smoke exhaust ducts must be made of non-combustible materials, and any insulation within the ceiling should be non-combustible, kept at least 150 mm away from combustible materials.
**3. Key Fire Safety Measures in High-Rise Buildings**
Maintaining clear escape routes is crucial. Staircases leading to balconies are often referred to as “life passages†and must remain unobstructed. According to the Fire Protection Law, high-rise buildings serve as fire-fighting platforms and can even function as helicopter landing zones. It is illegal to block, occupy, or close evacuation routes, safety exits, or fire truck access paths. Unfortunately, many high-rises misuse these areas as storage spaces or lock them shut.
To improve fire safety, some cities have implemented smart monitoring systems to ensure that evacuation routes remain open and that fire control rooms operate effectively. This helps prevent large-scale fires and protects lives.
**4. Firefighting Equipment Must Be Functional**
Fire hydrants, extinguishers, and alarms are essential tools in high-rise buildings. However, in some cases, these devices are not properly maintained. Hydrants may lack water, extinguishers may be expired, and alarms may be broken. This makes them ineffective during emergencies and turns critical equipment into mere decorations.
**5. How to Escape a High-Rise Fire**
If you detect a fire in a high-rise building, immediately call the fire department and organize your family and neighbors to evacuate. Do not attempt to retrieve belongings. If you hear an alarm or loud noises, stay calm, assess the situation, and follow instructions. Avoid running or jumping from the building. Use the stairs, not elevators.
Familiarize yourself with escape routes and evacuation signs. If you live on a higher floor, avoid jumping even if there is a cushion below. Instead, go down to signal firefighters for help. If the fire is too intense, close doors and windows to block smoke and toxic gases. Keep low, cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth, and wait for rescue.
To prepare for emergencies, consider equipping yourself with basic escape tools like a whistle, axe, smoke mask, and flashlight. Regular drills and awareness of escape routes can significantly increase your chances of survival.
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