
In the event of a fire, smoke poses a significant threat due to its rapid spread, the damage it causes to structures and the clogging of exits. Effective smoke management is critical for safe evacuation and support for firefighters.
Dangers of Smoke:
- High temperature and rapid spread: Smoke can accelerate the spread of fire.
- Damage to structures: Even areas not affected by fire can be damaged by smoke and corrosive gases.
- Blocking escape routes: Smoke can block escape routes and trap people.
- Reduced visibility: Thick smoke makes it difficult to find the source of the fire and therefore slow down its extinguishing.
Smoke Management Strategies:
- Dilution: Intake of fresh air that pushes smoke upwards, allowing people to escape from low to the floor. This is achieved by ventilation systems or air ducts.
- Stratification: Air power supply that keeps smoke in the upper part of the room, cleaning the lower areas for evacuation.
- Pressure Differential System (PDS): Creation by mechanical means of overpressure in critical areas such as stairs, preventing smoke from entering. Fans, valves and ventilation openings are used.
- Smoke compartmentalization: Use curtains and barriers to limit smoke in specific areas and prevent its spread.
Key points:
- Smoke management is not about extinguishing the fire, but about the safe evacuation of occupants and easier access for firefighters.
- The systems must be designed and maintained in collaboration with Architects, Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Fire Engineers and Maintainers to ensure their uninterrupted operation.
- Regular checks and tests are necessary.

Fire safety depends on the interaction of many good practices. Prevention, detection, early suppression, compartmentalization, evacuation, structural safety and firefighting are the 7 levels that must be covered to ensure the fire safety of buildings.