Fire Safety in Public Spaces: Lessons from Recent Tragedies in Russian Malls
The devastating impact of recent fires in Russian shopping malls underscores the importance of effective fire safety measures. While there are proven methods to avoid human casualties, the ongoing frequency of incidents in Russia raises serious questions about the adequacy of current safety equipment and emergency protocols in its public spaces. Here, we examine three harrowing cases and provide four ways such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
ADMIRAL MALL FIRE, Kazan (2015)
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in 2015 at the Admiral Mall in Kazan. A fire broke out in a ground-floor café and rapidly spread throughout the building. Alarmingly, the mall was not equipped with fire alarms, leaving many visitors unaware of the danger for far too long. Although over 600 people were evacuated, 17 individuals tragically lost their lives.
Lesson #1: Early Warning of Fires
Early detection systems save lives. Fire alarm systems provide crucial warnings, allowing people to evacuate calmly, safely, and in time. Regular system testing and maintenance ensures (a) the sensors detect smoke, heat, and gas, (b) the warning strobe lights are bright and the sirens are loud, and (c) the fire department receives dispatch requests for potential emergencies.
WINTER CHERRY MALL FIRE, Kemerovo (2018)
Another catastrophic event took place on March 25, 2018, at the Winter Cherry Mall in Kemerovo, where over 60 people, including many children, perished in a fire sparked by suspected faulty electrical wiring. Shockingly, many children were in cinema halls, unaware of the unfolding emergency. When the fire intensified, they attempted to flee, only to find the emergency exits locked.
Lesson #2: Electrical System Safety
It starts with professional installation during the original construction, as well as future additions. Using the correct cable makes a huge difference, as cheap and improper gauge wire can overheat, causing fires that run along the cable, carrying the flames across the building. Additionally, the outer jacket on electrical wires can produce extra smoke, reducing visibility.
Lesson #3: Clear Paths to Safety
Emergency exit routes should be marked for easy recognition, preferably with illuminated signs that work even when building power is lost. Emergency exit doors should be (a) unobstructed, (b) unlocked from the inside, and (c) out-swing. It's best if wider, highly visible egress doors are utilized at exits where larger groups of people might accumulate.
CROCUS CITY HALL ATTACK, Moscow (2024)
On March 22, 2024, Crocus City Hall in Moscow was the scene of a horrific attack that involved both gunfire and arson. The emergency anti-panic doors were reportedly locked with bicycle locks, trapping many inside. The fire alarm system also malfunctioned, contributing to the chaos and increased casualties.
Lesson #4: Easy To Escape
When combined with out-swing doors, panic hardware allows individuals and stampeding crowds to flow through emergency exits by simply pushing or falling against the middle of doors. These doors are part of free egress paths and should never be obstructed or locked, especially during public events.
CONCLUSION
The tragedies at these malls highlight the urgent need for reliable fire alarm systems, properly installed electrical infrastructure, clear paths to unobstructed emergency exits, and panic door hardware. By utilizing these enhanced fire safety measures in public spaces, many fires can be prevented or extinguished before a crisis unfolds. And, human casualties during emergencies can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated altogether.
Fortunately, the equipment and personnel required to make these improvements are readily available. Highly skilled security, fire alarm, and electrical professionals spend their careers perfecting these installations across a variety of different facilities. All that remains is for malls, and other public spaces, to invest in safety.
As security system installers, we think life is precious. Many of us produce articles and videos advocating for proven, secure, and reliable solutions to protect lives and prevent future tragedies. By learning from past mistakes, we can create safer environments for all. Let’s work together to prioritize safety in every public space!
