Jane Embury on the stupidity of fire Most fires start from something minor. That could be a discarded cigarette, or an electrical short-circuit. Sometimes, however, they start because of human stupidity. Like the US man who set up a deep fryer in his basement, but didn’t check on it. It bubbled over, and caused a […]
advanced glazing
New York fire underlines importance of compartmentation
Jane Embury reflects on recent fires in the USA The recent tragic fire in New York underlines how fire remains a potent threat. That’s despite advances in building design and construction and strict building regulations. Some 20 people, including nine children died during a fire in the Bronx apartment building. Another 32 people were taken […]
Remembering Ycuá Bolaños
Jane Embury looks back at a major fire where containment was non-existent Last week I wrote about the importance of containment if a fire breaks out. Containment is simply about trapping the fire in the place where it started, and making sure that it doesn’t spread. It’s about protecting lives and property. But it’s also […]
Hospital fires
Jane Embury looks at mitigating fire risk in hospitals Last month, fire engulfed a makeshift hospital for Covid-19 patients in North Macedonia. At least 14 people were killed in the western city of Tetovo. While fatal fires in hospitals are thankfully rare, they do happen. For example, a recent hospital fire in Miryang, South Korea […]
The architecture of change
Jane Embury looks at building sustainability There was an interesting article in Building Magazine last week. It was written by Sadie Morgan, a co-founding director of dRMM, and chair of the Quality of Life Foundation. She made the point that 2021 has been a year of transition, ushering us from the global shock of the pandemic […]
