Leaving doors open can allow smoke and fire to spread faster

On Jan. 9, 2022, 17 people, including nine children, were killed in a New York City apartment complex located in the Bronx after a malfunctioning space heater sparked a fire that spread across multiple floors. Following the tragedy, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said smoke was able to spread through the building “due to the door being open.” The city’s fire department also launched a social media campaign to spread awareness about the danger open doors can pose during a fire.

THE QUESTION
Can a closed door help limit the spread of fire and smoke?

THE ANSWER
Yes, closing doors can help limit the spread of fire and smoke.

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