NOVA: Escape! Because Accidents Happen - Fire

Plot

This documentary covers the various means and advances used in fighting fires. It begins with an example of the horror and dangers involved when a fire rages out of control. In 1987, there was a massive fire in the train station at King's Cross in London. It ignited beneath a wooden escalator where oil and debris had gathered for years, then spread throughout the station, killing 31 people. One-hundred-and-fifty changes were made as a result, including the use of stainless steel elevators, regular cleaning, and automatic sprinklers. The single most important weapon to a firefighter is the water pump, which was invented 2,000 years ago in Rome. The progression of firefighting and prevention is covered from the Great Fire of London in the 17th century to thermal imaging devices to "see" through smoke, to the Life Safety Code that includes requirements for building design and construction. ~ Thomas Carpenter, Rovi

Credit

Nancy Linde - Director, Paula S. Apsell - Executive Producer, Nancy Linde - Producer, Nancy Linde - Screenwriter, David Dugan - Series Producer

Previous:	NOVA: Escape! Because Accidents Happen - Car Crash (1999 Film), NOVA: Escape! Because Accidents Happen - Abandon Ship (1999 Film)
Next:	NOVA: Escape! Because Accidents Happen - Plane Crash (1999 Film), NOVA: Everest - The Death Zone (1998 Film)