In a high-rise building, how many floors below the fire should occupants be moved for safety if they are not fully evacuated?

In a high-rise building, the recommended practice is to move occupants at least five floors below the fire for safety if a full evacuation is not possible. This guideline helps reduce the risk of smoke inhalation and exposure to heat or flames, which can spread vertically in these structures. When occupants are relocated five floors down, they are significantly distanced from potential dangers associated with the fire, such as heat and smoke that may penetrate stairwells and ascenseurs, providing a safer environment while they await further assistance or evacuation.

This strategy is rooted in the understanding of how smoke and heat propagate in high-rise structures, where conditions can deteriorate rapidly due to the vertical movement of smoke. The placement of occupants five floors below creates a buffer, ensuring they are in a more protected area, which is crucial in maintaining their safety until emergency services can manage the situation.