The Built List reveals 20 fire safety influencers shaping construction in 2026

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPeopleSafety

The Built List 2026 spotlights leading voices in fire and building safety

A group of 20 professionals shaping fire and building safety across the built environment has been named as part of The Built List 2026, a new initiative recognising influential voices across construction and related sectors.

The Built List, developed by construction PR consultancy Liz Male Consulting (LMC), identifies 100 individuals driving change across five priority areas: fire and building safety, digitalisation, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and skills, recruitment and retention.

The fire and building safety category brings together engineers, campaigners, housing professionals, consultants and technical specialists working across policy, practice and public engagement.

The selected individuals have been identified through a six-month research process assessing engagement, media presence and industry visibility, rather than follower counts alone.

Dan Gerrella, Managing Director at LMC, said: “We want to shine a spotlight on the campaigners, activists, changemakers and thought leaders who are turning important conversations into action, shaping policy and public understanding, and building the profile of our sector.

“This is an opportunity to recognise a wider community of individuals who are influencing how the industry approaches safety, risk and accountability, while also helping organisations connect with trusted voices on the issues that matter most.”

The list is not ranked and is designed to reflect breadth of influence rather than competition.

LMC said the intention is to highlight different ways individuals are contributing to industry progress, from technical expertise and regulatory insight to communication and advocacy.

Fire and building safety: 20 selected influencers

The following individuals have been named within the fire and building safety category of The Built List 2026:

Colin Bailey

President and Principal, Queen Mary University of London and Executive Leader

An internationally recognised engineer and executive leader, Colin Bailey has built a career spanning structural safety, fire engineering and higher education leadership. His work focuses on helping the industry better understand risk and improve building design, alongside championing social mobility within engineering.

Kwajo Tweneboa

Social Housing Activist, Author and Campaigner

Kwajo Tweneboa is a prominent voice in housing safety, known for exposing unsafe living conditions and advocating for reform. His work centres on amplifying residents’ experiences and driving accountability among landlords and housing providers.

Steph Brady

Director, Innovation Fire Engineering

Steph Brady leads strategic planning and operations at Innovation Fire Engineering, with a focus on how fire engineers operate within communities. Her work explores the relationship between regulation, risk management and the built environment.

Hannah Mansell

Principal Technical Consultant and Facilitator of the UK Fire Door Think Tank, Adoorability

Hannah Mansell has played a central role in advancing competence and standards in fire safety, particularly around fire doors. Her work includes leading national campaigns and translating regulatory requirements into practical approaches for the industry.

Kizzy Augustin

Partner (Health and Safety, Environmental and Fire), Mischon de Reya

Kizzy Augustin specialises in legal cases involving fire, health and safety, including corporate manslaughter. Her work addresses accountability, compliance and directors’ duties, alongside advocacy for equality within the legal and construction sectors.

Peter Apps

Contributing Editor, Inside Housing and Freelance Journalist

Peter Apps is a journalist focused on housing and fire safety, with extensive reporting on the Grenfell Tower fire and its wider implications. His work examines systemic risk, policy and accountability across the built environment.

Glenn Horton

Director, Horton and Horton Fire

Glenn Horton leads fire engineering design work on large-scale mixed-use developments globally. His focus includes building regulations, fire safety engineering and risk management in complex construction projects.

Arnold Tarling

Director, Beta Surveyors

Arnold Tarling is a chartered surveyor and fire safety expert known for his media work on building risk and fire hazards. He has contributed to public understanding of safety issues in residential buildings, particularly following Grenfell.

Benjamin Ralph

Director and Head of Building Safety and Fire, Hollis

With more than 16 years’ experience, Benjamin Ralph focuses on risk-based design and interdisciplinary approaches to building safety. His work addresses façade risks, fire engineering challenges and improving standards across the sector.

Andrea White

Managing Director, A W Fire

Andrea White is an independent fire engineer and accredited fire risk assessor. She also founded Women Talking Fire, supporting professional networks within the sector, while focusing on compliance, risk and representation in construction.

Helen Hewitt

Chief Executive, British Woodworking Federation

Helen Hewitt leads the British Woodworking Federation, representing a large membership across manufacturing and construction. Her work highlights the role of fire doors and competence across the supply chain in improving building safety outcomes.

Mike Kelly

Building Safety Manager, Livv Housing Group

Mike Kelly works across compliance, fire and building safety within social housing. His focus includes risk assessment, cladding remediation and strengthening accountability in building management.

Nathan Hooper

Director and Head of Hotels and Residential, Hollis

Nathan Hooper brings experience in construction and real estate, focusing on improving safety standards in buildings. His work links compliance, design and property management in residential and hospitality sectors.

Dan Hollas

Director of Building Safety, Clarion Housing Group

Dan Hollas has more than 25 years’ experience in social housing and building safety. His role includes regulatory engagement and advising on safety frameworks through his involvement with the Building Advisory Committee.

Hannah Carpenter

Associate Director and Building Safety Specialist, LMC

Hannah Carpenter specialises in fire and building safety communications and industry insight. She has worked across legislation-focused projects and leads initiatives such as The Building Safety Wiki.

Adam Sanders

Technical Director, RiskBase

Adam Sanders focuses on digital systems for managing building safety and compliance. His work centres on improving consistency, reporting and visibility through software platforms.

George Edwardes

Technical Director, The Fire Protection Association

George Edwardes has a background in fire testing and consultancy, with expertise in façade safety and material performance. His work examines how design choices and emerging materials influence fire risk.

Alan Elder

Senior Fire Engineer, Horton and Horton Fire

Alan Elder specialises in fire risk assessments, site inspections and design reviews. His work focuses on practical application of fire safety standards and regulatory developments.

Dr Gavin Dunn

Chief Executive, The Fire Protection Association

Dr Gavin Dunn is a Chartered Building Engineer focused on the relationship between sustainability, decarbonisation and fire safety. His work explores how new materials and technologies affect risk across the built environment.

Gill Kernick

Transformation Director, Arup, Committee Member, BSI, Author and Speaker

Gill Kernick works on systemic safety reform and cultural change in construction. Drawing on personal experience and professional work, she contributes to discussions on accountability, risk and long-term change following major incidents.

Reflecting industry priorities

LMC said the fire and building safety category reflects a shift in how the sector engages with risk, regulation and public accountability, particularly following recent legislative changes and increased scrutiny of building safety practices.

Individuals on the list contribute across a range of areas, including fire engineering design, legal accountability, housing safety, regulatory compliance, fire testing, façade risk, fire doors, and resident engagement.

Many are also active in communicating complex technical issues to wider audiences, including policymakers, residents and industry stakeholders.

Methodology based on impact and visibility

The Built List is drawn from a wider industry influencer database maintained by LMC and used to support communications and collaboration strategies across the built environment.

Three core metrics were used to assess influence:

  • Engagement rate, based on interaction levels across recent social media activity
  • Media coverage, including reach and authority of publications featuring each individual
  • Visibility, measured through participation in conferences, events and wider communications activity.

This approach is intended to capture how individuals contribute to industry conversations and decision-making, rather than focusing solely on audience size.

Supporting industry engagement

LMC said the list is designed to support organisations seeking to engage with credible voices across key areas of change in the built environment.

“The list is deliberately not ranked and it’s not a competition,” Gerrella added.

“If the industry is going to improve outcomes in areas such as safety, sustainability and skills, it needs to engage with a broader range of perspectives and communication channels.”

The Built List 2026 is available to download via LMC’s website.

Attabotics launches fire safety bin for warehouse automation systems

by Featured NewsIndustrialPassiveProductsSafety

Fire safety features in new Attabiotics bin design

Attabotics has announced the launch of the Guardian bin, a formed metal bin designed to help mitigate fire risks in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).

The Calgary-based company announced the product on 17 March 2026 and said the bin replaces combustible plastics with inert galvanised steel.

The bin is designed to contain leaked liquid to limit spills and to support the distribution of fire suppression fluid through high-density racking.

When fire suppression systems are activated, the bin collects water and allows it to pool briefly before overflowing downward to adjacent storage locations.

Attabotics said the metal construction provides predictable behaviour and maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, supporting wider system-level fire safety strategies.

The company also said it is working with commercial insurance providers toward fire safety certification of the bin for use in ASRS environments.

Mark Dickinson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Attabotics, said: “Firefighters respond to nearly four warehouse fires each day in the U.S.

“On an annual basis, that adds up to more than 1,500 fires and over $300 million in direct property damage.

“For supply chains running on tight timelines and low margins, those statistics represent a critical threat.

“Our goal with the Guardian bin is to support our customers’ strategies to operate safely and efficiently.”

Product details and trade show plans

Attabotics said the bin includes a purpose-built plastic base that maintains low noise levels on high-speed conveyor systems and interfaces with robotic handling equipment to help prevent damage and support service life.

The flat-pack design enables shipments of up to 2,800 bins in a single container, which the company said is nearly 10 times the amount possible with conventional bin designs.

The company said the metal construction also supports cleaning after spills involving beverages, industrial fluids, personal care products or other liquids.

The future of wildfire technology

by Aerial FirefightingAmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsAmericas - EventsAviationEventsFire SuppressionWildland FireWildland Fire

The world is making significant investments to rise to the challenge of managing and responding to deadly wildfires. Not only has the US federal government expanded budgets to prevent and defend against wildfires, but it is also evaluating the organisation of its federal wildfire agencies.

Likewise, state and local governments and utility companies are increasing their investments in wildfire prevention, mitigation and suppression.

IDGA’s Wildfire Technology Summit, taking place on April 21-22, 2026, at the Kona Kai Hotel in San Diego, CA, convenes senior decision-makers from across the wildfire ecosystem to tackle real-world challenges, accelerate modernisation efforts and shape the next phase of wildfire resilience, prevention, and suppression.

IDGA’s Wildfire Technology Summit agenda

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find in the agenda:

✔️ Timely and high-priority sessions, such as the role of the brand-new U.S. Wildland Fire Service, advancing wildfire capabilities, AI and its role in wildfire intelligence, management strategies, and more!

✔️ Recently confirmed speakers, including Dirk Giles and Jessica Haas from the U.S. Forest Service, Sean Triplett and Mike Falkowski from Earth Fire Alliance and Brian D’Agostino from San Diego Gas and Electric, alongside many new additions

✔️ Networking opportunities with more than 300 senior wildfire experts, all focused on exploring solutions for the prediction, prevention, detection, suppression, and mitigation of destructive wildland fires

Download the agenda to find out more.

Lorna Smith appointed fire safety manager at Acorn Safety

by Featured NewsPeople

Fire safety manager promotion at Acorn Safety

Acorn Safety Services has promoted Lorna Smith to fire safety manager, placing her in charge of one of the Northamptonshire consultancy’s three divisions less than nine months after joining the company.

The company announced that Smith joined in August last year as a senior fire risk assessor and will now lead its Fire Safety department.

Smith previously worked as a Health and Safety consultant for a large insurance company.

She shares her knowledge with colleagues who visit a range of buildings including fast food outlets and care facilities, along with offices, warehouses and public buildings.

Team structure and quoted response

Acorn Safety Services said two other specialists lead the consultancy’s Health and Safety section and Legionella division.

Smith said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to Fire Safety Manager.

“The Acorn Safety team has been so welcoming, and I enjoy the wide variety of work that we do.

“Keeping people safe and protecting life is the key factor in all fire safety work and I am proud of how well we do that.

“It has been incredibly busy since I started here and we’re now in the process of growing the fire safety division in order to effectively meet customer demand.”

Operations director comments on fire appointment

Acorn Safety Services operations director Zeynep Guzelkasap said: “Lorna has been an incredible asset to our business from the moment she arrived.

“Her knowledge and expertise are second to none and she embodies everything we look for in a fire risk assessor.

“She is conscientious, meticulous, and passionate and this promotion is wholly deserved.”

Are civilian fire officers putting communities at risk?

by Breaking NewsIndustry Comment

Questions are emerging about whether technical expertise alone can match the enforcement judgement shaped by frontline operational experience, write Duncan J. White

Across global fire services, a recurring question is gaining traction: Does the increasing use of civilian fire service enforcement officers compromise fire and life safety?

From London to Sydney and Toronto, services are expanding civilian enforcement teams in response to tightening budgets, rising call volumes, and regulatory complexity.

Fire safety legislation has evolved into a technical, risk-based discipline.

Building systems now incorporate advanced suppression, smoke management, and performance-based design solutions that demand specialised knowledge.

Critics argue that removing uniformed firefighters from frontline enforcement risks weakening the system.

Operational experience brings insight into fire dynamics, tactical realities, and the consequences of building failures under incident conditions.

Firefighters who have advanced hose lines through smoke-filled corridors understand why compartmentation, detection and access matter.

That experience can carry weight when challenging non-compliant building owners.

But this debate risks framing the issue too narrowly.

Modern enforcement requires operational credibility and a deep understanding of codes, engineering principles, human behaviour in fire and legal processes.

Many civilian enforcement officers come from backgrounds in building control, fire engineering or regulatory compliance.

In complex, high-risk occupancies, that technical depth can exceed traditional career pathways.

The greater risk to fire and life safety is fragmentation.

When enforcement teams, civilian or uniformed, operate in isolation from response crews, silos emerge.

Inspection findings may not inform pre-incident planning.

Operational lessons from real fires may not shape enforcement priorities.

Conversely, services that integrate enforcement and operations often strengthen overall resilience.

Joint training, shared risk data and structured communication channels ensure that technical expertise and frontline experience reinforce one another.

Dedicated civilian officers can focus consistently on high-risk premises, complex investigations and sustained compliance strategies.

There is also a workforce reality.

In many jurisdictions, emergency medical and all-hazard responses dominate call volume.

Expecting suppression personnel to absorb expanding regulatory responsibilities risks overextension and fatigue.

Civilian enforcement officers can provide continuity in prevention functions, protecting operational readiness and regulatory effectiveness.

The central question is not who delivers enforcement, but how competence, governance and integration are assured.

Fire and life safety outcomes depend on standards, accountability and collaboration, not uniform colour.

Properly structured civilian enforcement models do not inherently compromise safety.

Poor integration does.

Fire services must focus on capability.

The future of fire and life safety will be defined by how well prevention and protection align with evolving hazards.

Stay Safe

This was originally published in the March 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

England audit data shows persistent fire safety compliance gaps

by ResearchSafety

Fire safety audit findings across England

Almost half of audited purpose-built blocks of flats were rated unsatisfactory in fire safety checks across England, with 45% requiring remedial action to meet regulations.

The figures were analysed by Drax Technology using data released by Fire and Rescue Services for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

A total of 4,257 buildings over four storeys were audited, with 1,923 failing to meet required standards.

There are around 120,000 buildings of this size across England.

Audits assess records, fire safety equipment and management practices to identify compliance issues.

Each audit is graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

The Responsible Person is required to maintain the validity of the audit, particularly following changes such as structural alterations.

Enforcement action and audit ratings

The proportion of unsatisfactory results fell slightly from 49% in the previous year.

Fire and Rescue Services issued 445 enforcement notices requiring building managers to address identified deficiencies within a set timeframe.

Twenty buildings were served with Prohibition Notices, where serious and imminent risks to life meant all or part of the premises could not be used.

Six cases led to prosecution after failures to complete required remedial actions.

Less serious breaches were addressed through informal notifications.

The data also showed that 34% of high-rise buildings of 10 storeys or more received an unsatisfactory audit.

Drax Technology comments on compliance records

David Simpson, Group Product Director at Drax Technology, said: “Blocked escape routes, failing emergency lighting, and faulty alarms are too often pushed down maintenance lists until a fire exposes the devastating consequences.

“Under the Building Safety Act, compliance can no longer be assumed, it must be proven.

“Building managers across BTR, the PRS and social housing, now need clear evidence of what was inspected, when, and by whom.

“Gaps in record-keeping represent a serious operational, financial, and regulatory risk.”

Simpson said the analysis highlighted both non-compliance and limited visibility over whether fire safety standards were consistently being met.

“There is no room for uncertainty when it comes to resident safety,” Simpson said.

“Digital platforms can give property teams constant oversight of fire safety systems, allowing issues to be identified and resolved before inspections, or worse, before an emergency.”

He added that 34% of high-rise buildings of 10 storeys or more receiving an unsatisfactory audit reflected the added complexity of these buildings.

“High-rise buildings pose greater risks because fire fighter access is more complex, so robust and consistent fire safety measures are critical,” he said.

“The industry must step up and do better.”

The data set used for the analysis was FIRE1202.

UK Vaping Industry Association urges retail safety checks following Glasgow fire

by Featured NewsIndustry Comment

Glasgow incident prompts letters to fire services

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has written to fire authorities across the UK following the recent fire in Glasgow to support safety checks in vape retail premises.

UKVIA said the fire has been confirmed as starting in a retail outlet selling vapes among other products, with the investigation still ongoing.

The letter, issued on 11 March 2026, was sent to the National Fire Chiefs Council, Fire Standards Board and several fire and rescue services.

It said the association wants to work with fire services and authorities to help prevent a similar incident.

Some retail members have already sent updates to stores to reinforce fire and battery safety measures.

Glasgow response includes licensing proposal

UKVIA said it is working with the British government on a mandatory retail licensing scheme proposed in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

It said the scheme could support compliance with fire safety requirements in vape retail stores across the UK.

John Dunne, Director General UK Vaping Industry Association, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire in Glasgow and we commend the emergency services for their response.

“This is an isolated incident and, while the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, even one case like this is one too many.

“While we await the findings of the full investigation, we will be proactively engaging with the fire service and relevant authorities to understand what lessons can be learned to help ensure the highest possible safety standards across vape retailers.

“We are also advising all our members to check their fire risk assessments and to get in touch with their local fire authorities to seek any further guidance.”

Glasgow site handed to council as response ends

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has handed control of the Union Street site to Glasgow City Council, marking the end of firefighting operations and the start of recovery work.

Public safety remains the priority, with work beginning to assess the structure and establish a safe zone, while SFRS maintains a presence to support partner agencies.

The fire was first reported at 3.46pm on Sunday 8 March and at its height involved 18 appliances and specialist resources.

Close to 300 firefighters were involved over four days.

Assistant Chief Officer Jon Henderson, SFRS Director of Prevention, said: “This was an incredibly challenging and complex incident which called upon resources and expertise from across the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are extremely proud of our staff and incredibly thankful to our partners for helping to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

“Despite the scale and intensity of this fire, no firefighters or members of the public were hurt, and some of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings were saved from further damage.

“The impact of this incident on the Glasgow community is enormous, and we are extremely grateful for the patience and generosity shown to our partners and us at the scene throughout.”

A multi-agency investigation will take place once the site is secured and safe.

Heritage fire safety upgrades continue across priority sites in Japan

by Featured NewsHeritageProjectsSafety

Fire safety programme continues at heritage sites

Japan is continuing fire protection upgrades at priority heritage sites after the 2019 blaze that destroyed major structures at Shuri Castle in Okinawa.

The South China Morning Post reported that work has not yet begun at around 30 per cent of the 107 cultural properties placed under a national programme launched in 2020 by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

So far, 64 designated sites have installed new fire protection measures.

A further seven locations are undergoing upgrades.

The programme was introduced after the October 2019 fire at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Naha, which burned for nearly 12 hours and destroyed six buildings covering about 4,200 square metres.

Investigators later found that the fire began at an electrical distribution board.

Authorities ruled out arson.

According to Hiroko Moriyama of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the programme adds measures beyond those required under Japan’s Fire Service Act.

World Heritage sites and national treasures are being equipped with flame detectors, specialised fire hydrants and upgraded alarm systems alongside conventional extinguishers.

Moriyama said: “This will help safeguard irreplaceable cultural assets that would otherwise be lost forever if they were damaged by fire.”

Funding, delays and the revised timetable

The South China Morning Post also reported that the Japanese government will cover up to 85 per cent of the cost of the new fire protection systems.

Nearly 13 billion yen, equivalent to around US$82.3 million, has already been allocated to support upgrades at temples, shrines, castles, palaces and historic residences.

Matsue Castle in Shimane Prefecture has installed new flame and smoke detectors as well as a replacement sprinkler system.

Zenkoji Temple in Nagano has introduced high-sensitivity smoke detectors and set up a dedicated 24-hour self-defence fire brigade for emergency response.

Officials said progress has slowed because some sites lost income during the Covid-19 pandemic, material costs rose and some stakeholders disagreed over how to install upgrades without affecting historic architecture.

Some projects have also been slowed by access issues at sites in mountainous areas.

Moriyama said: “We understand there are various individual circumstances that are the reason for the delays.”

Authorities have not identified the sites where work has yet to begin because they said publishing that information could create security risks.

With the original five-year programme nearing its end, the government has introduced a new four-year scheme that will continue support for sites still needing improved fire protection.

The revised scheme will also fund measures to improve resistance to earthquakes and flooding.

Under the updated timetable, the Agency for Cultural Affairs expects the remaining fire safety improvements at priority sites to be completed by 2035.

Work to rebuild Shuri Castle is nearing completion, with the structures around the hilltop courtyard expected to reopen to visitors in the autumn.

Fire Aware calls for collaboration across fire safety supply chain

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Collaboration, charters and a wider duty of care

Fire Aware has said closer working across the fire safety supply chain can help deliver safer outcomes for people in buildings across multiple sectors.

The organisation said Collaboration on legislation, product supply and innovation can help address current pressures facing the sectors it serves.

Fire Aware’s work centres on the moral responsibility of those involved in the fire safety supply chain, including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders.

This, it said, applies beyond specialist fire safety roles and extends across the wider supply chain.

Sectors identified as vulnerable to fire risk include hospitality and healthcare, where building operators are responsible for protecting customers, elderly people and others who may be unable to protect themselves in a real fire.

Collaboration and cultural change

Fire Aware said it aims to influence behaviour in the built environment sector through a moral code of conduct set out in a series of charters.

The organisation described those charters as a way to shape how member companies uphold their duty of care.

Fire Aware CEO Gavin Skelly said: “Our members tell us that when they work closely together the solutions are easier to find and everyone benefits.

“We are all in this together.

“At Fire Aware, we have a community of companies large and small who often collaborate together to find the solution to a problem.”

Skelly added: “We all believe in fulfilling our duty of care and working closely with partners who are like-minded will help everyone to achieve that.

“This is a vocation for life, not a job.”

He added: “The Fire Aware community – and the wider fire safety industry – are all of the same mind.

“We cannot compromise when it comes to safeguarding the safety of people moving about in our buildings.

“That cuts cross all sectors and applies to a multitude of responsible people who may or may not be directly involved in fire safety but want to uphold their duty of care.

“It’s not just about the specialists.

“It’s about the entire supply chain.”

The statement also noted calls for cultural change through moral and ethical behaviours, alongside the role of the independent Building Safety Regulator in promoting competence and higher standards.

Fire safety debate grows as more states allow single staircases

by EvacuationFeatured NewsSafety

Fire safety staircase rules change in several US states

Several US states have changed building codes to allow some apartment buildings taller than three storeys to be built with a single staircase, replacing long-standing requirements for at least two staircases in most buildings above that height.

The New York Times reported that proponents say the change can reduce development costs by removing the need for a second stair and reducing the space required for common areas such as hallways between staircases, allowing buildings to be developed on smaller lots.

Stephen Smith, the executive director of the Center for Building in North America, said: “We’re seeing single-stair buildings on what were otherwise unbuildable small lots.”

“Allowing more cities to do this will help meet demand for housing,” Smith said.

Where the code changes have been adopted and studied

The article said Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Texas and Tennessee have approved code changes in the past two years allowing just one stairway, and Washington State is set to join them in July.

California, Hawaii, New York, Minnesota, Oregon and Virginia are conducting studies exploring the same change.

Colorado now allows a single staircase in buildings up to five storeys in Denver and 10 other cities with more than 100,000 residents, and Governor Jared Polis said: “We wanted lower costs, smaller footprints, more natural light.”

“It just allows for much more flexibility,” Polis said.

In Washington State, single staircases will be allowed in buildings up to six storeys, and State Senator Jesse Salomon said: “Single stairway is one significant avenue to promote infill – that’s the motivation.”

Fire service concerns and safety evidence cited in the report

Tom Pitschneider, the fire marshal in Shakopee, Minnesota, said there are “challenges in firefighter response to a single stair.”

“As we’re going up the same way as the residents are trying to escape, we need working space,” Pitschneider said.

“With a single stair, everybody’s working the same space, so you don’t have a way to take people out,” he said.

Alex Horowitz, the director of housing policy at the Pew Charitable Trusts, said design features such as sprinklers and fire-resistant materials have made apartment buildings built after World War II safer.

Horowitz said Pew examined 468 deaths between 2012 and 2024 in apartment buildings in New York City where fires had broken out, with three in buildings with a single staircase, and the study found those deaths were not caused by having fewer available staircases.

“A one-stair building has faster egress times because it has a smaller floor plate,” Horowitz said.

“Everyone is closer to the stair,” he said.

“And there are so many fewer residents to evacuate,” Horowitz added.

Pitschneider said safety concerns become more serious in rural areas where fire response times are longer or where fewer firefighting resources are available.

“The model works in a St. Paul, where they’re running multiple engines and they’re putting 12, 15, 18 firefighters on scene in that first 10 minutes,” Pitschneider said.

“What we’re not comfortable with is that model going to our outstate, smaller cities that are bringing three, four firefighters in that first 10 minutes of the firefight,” he said.