Fire Risk Higher in Multifamily Buildings
Multifamily residential buildings are at a greater risk for fire because they contain more kitchens, furnaces, water heaters, and other elements that can pose opportunities for a fire to start. Fire safety in multifamily housing is influenced by the design of the building, its fire protection features, the quality of materials used in the building's construction, the building's contents, and overall maintenance. A balanced design comprises three elements: detection, suppression, and compartmentation. Detection: Accurate, early warning is the first line of defense. Detectors that respond to light smoke are important. Each dwelling unit should be equipped with detectors in all…