Arson Attack Highlights The Importance Of Smoke Compartmentation

A video from an arson attack at a Holiday Inn Express in Doncaster illustrates a harsh reality which often get’s overlooked. Fire doors don’t just slow flames, they control smoke. 

In the footage, the corridor sits smoke free, you are almost unaware of the fire within the closed hotel room. However, the moment the police force entry into the room, the hallway is flooded with smoke within seconds.

Smoke control is a critical but often underestimated part of fire safety. An estimated 50%-80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation injuries. As this body-cam footage shows, smoke can travel through a building long before flames become visible, compromising escape routes and putting lives at risk.

This incident reinforces the critical importance of fully certified fire doorsets that are correctly specified, professionally installed, and routinely maintained. Fire performance is only as reliable as the complete doorset assembly and it’s installation. Third-party certified doorsets, fitted with compliant smoke seals and installed in line with manufacturer guidance, play a vital role in containing smoke, preserving compartmentation, and safeguarding occupants when it matters most.

At Dorplan, we continue to invest in rigorous fire and smoke testing to ensure our doorsets perform when it matters most. Because in a real incident, seconds count, and containment can make all the difference. For more information on Fire Doors and the importance of passive fire protection click here.

Video Source: Footage released by South Yorkshire Police shows body-worn camera video from a Doncaster arson incident in which a fire door held back smoke until it was opened. The video is available: https://www.facebook.com/southyorkshirepolice/videos/body-worn-video-footage-captures-doncaster-officers-acting-fast-to-protect-guest/4305441373026174/