A fire strategy can only work effectively if passive fire protection measures (structural steelwork protection, fire-resistant paints, fire-resistant glazing, and so on) are built into the structure.

Passive fire protection maintains the stability of a building during a fire and keeps escape routes safe. It also limits and contains fire, heat and smoke so people have time to get out.

In short, rather than focus on one building material over another, it is of far greater need to stress that fire-safe building design must follow regulation and incorporate both passive and active measures without compromise.

David Sugden, chairman, Passive Fire Protection Federation

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