Cracking the Code: Standards and applications for smoke-and fire-protective curtains

摘要

FIRE CURTAINS USED AS FIRE-PROTECTION FEATURES IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS HAVE HAD A CONTROVERSIAL HISTORY. IN 1672, A FIRE AT THE DRURY LANE THEATER IN LONDON PROMPTED THE OWNERS TO REBUILD WITH TWO SAFETY FEATURES: A LARGE WATER TANK PERCHED ON THE ROOF TO DOUSE POTENTIAL STAGE FIRES, AND THE WORLD'S FIRST KNOWN SAFETY CURTAIN—AN IRON CURTAIN MOUNTED IN FRONT OF THE STAGE TO PROTECT THE AUDIENCE FROM BACK-STAGE FIRES. THE NEW BUILDING LASTED MORE THAN 120 YEARS. IN 1791, IT WAS DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A LARGER THEATRE, WHICH OPENED IN 1794. THE REBUILT DRURY LANE THEATER SURVIVED FOR 15 YEARS BEFORE BURNING DOWN IN 1809.