London blaze makes US building owners mindful of fire threat
Posted July 21, 2017 1:00 pm.
Last Updated July 21, 2017 1:40 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ATLANTA – Fire experts say U.S. building owners should review what materials their structures are built with after a catastrophic fire in London showed how flames can quickly devour a high-rise.
An Associated Press review found that the manufacturer of the panels used in the London tower said the same panels were used in some U.S. buildings. However, many of the building owners were unaware of that.
British authorities are investigating whether the panels and other materials helped spread flames across the doomed tower.
Fire protection engineer Robert Solomon says building owners with concerns can remove a two-story section about 10 feet wide and test it.
If dangerous materials are found, options range from removing them to developing an exterior sprinkler system to cascade water onto the outer walls.
