The recent fire at the Sisu Boutique Hotel in Puerto Banús, Marbella, raises important questions regarding fire safety. The causes have not been determined, nor is it clear whether the fire safety systems functioned properly.
Therefore, we would like to remind you that comprehensive protection must include active protection systems—such as detectors, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, etc.—as well as passive protection systems—such as fire doors, structural protection, etc.
These must be properly installed in accordance with the Fire Protection Systems Regulation (RIPCI) (Royal Decree 513/2017), which specifies the requirements for the systems, their installation, and their maintenance. Maintenance of fire protection systems is crucial for extending their service life and ensuring they continue to function properly. The regulations require building owners to conduct quarterly inspections of the equipment to ensure it is operating correctly and to detect any deterioration or need for repair or replacement.
Furthermore, the section on fire safety in the Technical Building Code describes the appropriate measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of fire, how to facilitate the safe evacuation of the building and the work of firefighters, how to properly install detection, control, and suppression systems, as well as the standards governing structural and construction elements so that they can contain the fire for as long as necessary.
