Aesthetic glass facades a new-age challenge for firemen
Times of India | 15 June 2024
Kolkata: The intense smoke from highly combustible materials stored in malls, rather than the fire itself, poses the greatest challenge for firefighters battling infernos in Kolkata’s modern glass-covered shopping centres. The fire at Acropolis has highlighted severe difficulties firemen may face when fighting blazes in these structures, if there is an incident.
Glass-covered structures, designed for aesthetic appeal and enhanced natural lighting, significantly complicate firefighting efforts.“Glass facades can cause interior temperatures to rise rapidly, creating a greenhouse effect,” explained a fire brigade officer, adding, “This intensifies the heat and can lead to the fire spreading faster, complicating efforts to control the blaze. Additionally, the glass can shatter explosively when exposed to high temperatures, posing risk to both firefighters and occupants.”
Modern malls are designed to be airtight for energy efficiency, causing smoke to accumulate quickly, reducing visibility. This increases the risk of smoke inhalation for both evacuees and firefighters. The glass structures exacerbate this issue, as they limit natural ventilation pathways, trapping smoke within the building. This makes locating the fire source and rescuing trapped individuals more challenging. On Friday, apart from Acropolis mall’s smoke-extraction machines, the fire brigade deployed additional smoke extraction equipment to combat these issues.
The expansive use of glass also complicates access for firefighting teams. Traditional methods, such as breaking windows to ventilate and access burning areas, become less effective, even dangerous. Firefighters often rely on specially designed equipment to breach glass walls, which can be time-consuming and delay crucial intervention.
Glass-covered malls often have vast open spaces and multiple levels, complicating evacuation efforts. During a fire, these large spaces can quickly become disorienting and hazardous as smoke obscures exits and eme-rgency signage. The reflective surfaces can also cause confusion, hindering quick and efficient evacuation.
In one notable case last year, a fire at a prominent glass-covered mall in south Kolkata took over 12 hours to control. Firefighters reported significant difficulties in accessing the upper floors due to the glass façade and had to use specialized hydraulic platforms to reach the affected areas.
Experts emphasize the need for malls to adopt advanced fire-safety measures tailored to their unique architectural features. “Glass buildings require specific fire-safety designs, including robust sprinkler systems, effective smoke management solutions and clear evacuation routes. Regular drills and updated training for fire personnel are crucial to handle such emergencies efficiently,” said fire-safety consultant Rajesh Mehta.
In light of these challenges, urban planners and architects in Kolkata are being urged to reconsider the design and safety protocols of new glass-covered structures. There is a growing call for incorporating more fire-resistant materials and designing buildings with firefighter access in mind. Furthermore, retrofitting existing malls with better fire suppression and smoke-control systems is becoming a priority.
To enhance firefighting capabilities, officials plan to acquire taller ladders for better reach. Currently, the department has ladders of various sizes, including 30 ft, 42 ft, 54 ft and 70 ft. Additionally, they have procured three-four robots, which have been deployed in some incidents to assist firemen, especially in situations where it is difficult or unsafe for personnel to enter. “We are also in the process of procuring drones and walkie-talkies for the firemen,” an official said.
As Kolkata continues to grow and modernize, balancing architectural aesthetics with practical safety considerations remains a critical challenge. Ensuring that the city’s malls are both visually impressive and safe for shoppers and workers is essential.