This was one of the most destructive high-rise fires in recent United States history. The fire presented the greatest potential for the "Towering Inferno" scenario of any U.S. fire experience and was controlled only through the massive and dedicated manual fire suppression efforts large metropolitan fire department. It demonstrated the absolute need automatic sprinklers to provide protection for tall buildings.
SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES
| I s s u e s | Comments |
| Occupancy | 62-story high-rise office building. |
| Construction
|
Steel frame;
exterior of glass and aluminum. |
| Delayed Reporting |
Building security and maintenance personnel delayed notifying Fire Department for 15 minutes after first evidence of fire. Smoke detectors on several floors had been activated and reset a number of times before reporting to Fire Department. A maintenance employee died while trying to investigate source of alarms prior to calling Fire Department. |
| Automatic Fire Sprinklers |
Sprinkler system was installed in 90 percent of the building, including on fire floors; valves controlling the systems had been closed, awaiting installation of water-flow alarms. |
| Interior Design and Contents
|
Large open area with readily combustible contents contributed to quick fire growth. |
| System Failures |
Main fire pumps had been shut down, reducing available water pressure for initial attack. Radio communications were overtaxed and disrupted by building's steel frame. Fire and water damaged telephone circuits making them unusable. Sound-powered emergency phone system in building was ineffective. |
