A recent fire at a bar in a ski resort in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, is a stark reminder of how quickly fire can escalate in any setting. As investigations continue, early reports suggest that the fire started accidentally when sparklers ignited soundproofing attached to the ceiling, material that was more than likely added after the building was constructed. Incidents like this underscore the importance of strong building codes, fire codes, and properly designed and maintained fire protection measures. While building codes establish critical life safety requirements at the time a building is designed and constructed, they cannot always account for changes made after a space is occupied, such as added finishes, décor, or in this case soundproofing, that may unintentionally increase fire risk.
Building codes and proper system design help ensure a building is safe on day one, but over time, tenants and owners may alter spaces in ways that were never reviewed as part of the original design or permitting process. This is why ongoing inspections by local authorities having jurisdiction, fire officials, or other regulatory agencies are so important. These reviews help identify conditions that could compromise safety and to address them before an incident occurs.
In addition to these oversight measures, portable fire extinguishers help bridge the gap between a building’s original design assumptions and the real-world conditions that develop after occupancy. When seconds count, having portable fire extinguishers readily accessible, and ensuring people are trained to use them, can sometimes make the difference between a minor incident and a tragic outcome.
As seen in the most recent fire in Switzerland, small fires can grow rapidly depending on fuel load, building materials, and ceiling or wall finishes. There was a video circulating online of an individual trying to fight the fire by swatting it with a T-shirt. It begs the question: what if that person had been trained and had access to a fire extinguisher? Would the outcome have been different?
Over the last several years, there has been a push in the US to reduce or eliminate portable fire extinguishers in certain occupancies. The rationale behind this approach is rooted in life safety: encouraging occupants to prioritize evacuation rather than attempting to fight a fire, which, if done improperly, can place people at risk.
While this perspective is understandable, it also involves a tradeoff. In certain fire scenarios, time is everything. After a building is constructed, a multi-layered approach, including clear evacuation plans, staff training, ongoing inspections, reliable fire protection systems, and fire extinguishers, provides redundancy and complementary protection. As buildings change over time and people come and go, fire safety must evolve with them and remain at the forefront of everyday awareness, helping to ensure that small, unforeseen incidents do not escalate into tragic outcomes.
