Convection and the effects of smoke
Although it is important to restrict the spread of fi rewithin a building, it is equally important to consider thespeed of spread and effect of the smoke created by thefi re as it burns.
As a fi re develops it will create large quantities of smoke which will, usually, spread ahead of the fi re quickly fi lling a building. The effect of this is to present a toxic and/or asphyxiant hazard to people within the building. Smoke also reduces visibility and obscures escape routes; this linked to people’s natural reluctance to walk into or through smoke can lead to, or increase, panic, which in turn leads to disorientation reducing the chances of safe escape.