Antonio Tortosa (Tecnifuego): Fire safety must evolve to meet new technological challenges

Why are fires becoming more intense and destructive?

Fires are becoming more intense due to a series of interconnected factors. Firstly, we are experiencing a rapid evolution in technological risks, along with a rise in the use of new materials and devices, particularly lithium batteries that power electric vehicles, scooters, and other electronic products. These materials pose serious dangers in the event of failure, as their fires are extremely difficult to control and generate significant heat and toxic gases. In addition, the increasing electrification of vehicle fleets and the expansion of photovoltaic energy systems, often without adequate regulation, introduce new risks to existing infrastructure.

Sustainability also plays a key role, as the transition to greener materials and construction technologies is not always matched by sufficient attention to fire safety planning. High-rise buildings with combustible insulation or fire-resistant façades, combined with the rapid growth of logistics centres that store large volumes of flammable goods, are contributing to more aggressive and dangerous fires. Without updated regulations and the proper adaptation of prevention and extinguishing methods, fire severity will only continue to grow.

In the case of wildfires, climate change is a major contributing factor. When prolonged drought combines with extreme weather and simultaneous fire outbreaks, suppression becomes extremely difficult, or even beyond our current capacity. This highlights the need not only to fight climate change, but also to ensure that increased sustainability efforts include robust fire safety criteria. 

How are fires in buildings changing?

We are witnessing a shift toward increasingly complex fire incidents in buildings, largely due to the design and materials used in modern construction, especially in high-rise structures. These buildings often incorporate more sustainable but highly flammable materials, which creates a major challenge for fire protection strategies. Moreover, evacuation systems are not always designed to cope with the rapid spread of fire in high-rise buildings, and smoke compartmentalisation remains one of the most difficult aspects to manage. Safety is further compromised by the accumulation of flammable materials on balconies and façades, which accelerates fire spread. Meanwhile, the growing installation of photovoltaic solar panels also introduces new risks, particularly those associated with maintenance failures or system overheating, which can trigger fires. 

How should we respond to this new type of fire risk?

When it comes to fire, prevention and preparation are critical. First, early detection systems are essential to identify incidents in their initial stages and allow for prompt intervention before the fire escalates. It is vital that active fire protection measures, such as automatic extinguishing systems, are correctly installed and in full working order. In high-rise and high-risk buildings, such as nursing homes, it is especially important to ensure smoke-free escape routes and effective compartmentalisation to stop the fire from spreading quickly to other areas.

As for the increasing number of incidents involving lithium batteries, particularly those with higher capacities, such as those used in electric cars, bikes, and scooters, but also in the wide range of consumer electronics we have at home, rapid action is essential to cool and isolate the source of the fire. These fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish due to the varying combination of solids, liquids, and combustible gases involved, depending on the battery’s chemical composition. Fire and smoke detectors, foam or powder extinguishers, automatic sprinklers, smoke control and evacuation systems, and fire blankets are all essential tools that can help suppress fires quickly or at least prevent them from spreading. 

What new methods and tools are needed to improve fire detection and extinguishing?

Fire safety must adapt to the challenges posed by new technologies. One of the most significant advances lies in early detection systems, such as sensors that monitor temperature and gas levels to detect fires before they develop. In terms of suppression, tools like automatic sprinklers and water mist systems are proving more effective, particularly for lithium battery fires and enclosed spaces like underground car parks.

In addition, updated response protocols are required to address emerging risks, such as those associated with the electrification of transport and solar power installations. For instance, fire blankets designed for electric vehicles and adaptations to charging and parking infrastructure are key components in limiting damage.

In any case, one issue remains unresolved which, although not particularly new, is still crucial in our view for tackling fires and, above all, for reducing fatalities: the need to amend legislation in Spain to make the installation of fire detectors, connected to a control system, mandatory in all homes, both newly built and existing. 

How are fire safety regulations and public awareness evolving?

It is essential that fire safety regulations are continually updated to keep pace with emerging threats, such as fires involving electric vehicles. Regulations currently set minimum safety standards, but at Tecnifuego, we consistently advocate going beyond these and adopting the highest levels of prevention. That is why our association supports more agile and adaptable legislation, laws that can evolve in step with the sector’s changing challenges. Strong collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial to developing regulations that are both effective and applicable in practice.

Equally important is raising public awareness and promoting fire safety training. Fires often result from preventable mistakes. Knowing how to act in the event of a fire, especially those involving lithium batteries or occurring in high-rise buildings, can mean the difference between life and death. This underscores the importance of both professional training programmes and public information campaigns. Personal preparedness and compliance with safety standards remain our best tools for risk reduction.

In short, we are facing a scenario that demands continuous updates to our fire protection strategies, particularly in the context of rapid technological progress and urban development. Prevention and enhanced preparedness will be key to ensuring public safety in the years ahead.