Increase in Industrial and International Fires | Fire Doors and Maintenance
The rise in industrial fires and international incidents such as the one in Crans-Montana underscore the importance of fire doors and the maintenance of fire protection systems.
Industrial and International Fires on the Rise: The Importance of Fire Doors and Their Maintenance
In recent months, there has been an increase in industrial fires, as well as several serious fires around the world, such as the one that occurred in Crans-Montana (Switzerland) during the New Year’s celebrations. These incidents highlight the importance of having effective passive fire protection systems in place, particularly properly certified fire doors and adequate maintenance.
Metal fire doors not only fulfill a legal requirement, but they are also a key element in containing fires, protecting lives, and minimizing damage in any industrial or public facility.
Industrial Fires
Following the lockdowns and the resumption of industrial activity, many facilities have resumed operations with backlogs in their maintenance work. This has led to an increase in industrial fires, which in many cases have been exacerbated by:
- Lack of regular inspections of security systems
- Fire doors that do not function properly
- Passive protection equipment without technical inspection
- Lack of a documented maintenance plan
In high-risk industrial settings, a lack of maintenance can turn a minor incident into a serious emergency.
Recent international examples: Crans-Montana and other significant fires
Fire in Crans-Montana (Switzerland)
On January 1, 2026, a devastating fire followed by explosions rocked an entertainment venue in Crans-Montana, in the Swiss Alps, during New Year’s celebrations. Authorities confirmed more than 40 deaths and more than 115 injuries after the flames spread rapidly in an enclosed space packed with people.
Although the causes are still under investigation, the incident has drawn attention to the importance of emergency exits, evacuation routes, and containment systems—such as certified fire doors—which can make the difference between a catastrophe and a safe evacuation.
This tragic incident has led to the declaration of days of national mourning in Switzerland and has sparked a global call to strengthen security in public and recreational spaces.
Other Fires with International Implications
In addition to Crans-Montana, major disasters that have occurred recently have affected various regions of the world:
- Forest Fires in South America, 2025: Vast areas of Argentina, Chile, and Colombia were ravaged by massive fires that destroyed millions of hectares, causing severe environmental impacts and posing growing risks to the safety of nearby communities.
These fires demonstrate how environmental factors and a lack of preparedness can increase the risk of fire, both in natural areas and in built environments.
Passive Fire Protection: The Role of Fire Doors
The purpose of passive fire protection is to limit the spread of fire and smoke, allowing for safe evacuation and facilitating the response of emergency services.
As part of this strategy, metal fire doors are an essential component:
- They are compartmentalizing spaces to slow the spread of the flames
- They secure the evacuation routes
- They are maintaining safety measures to prevent the fire from spreading between areas
- They operate without human intervention when combined with self-closing systems
Its effectiveness depends on both the quality of the product and how well it is maintained.
Fire Door Maintenance: A Critical Requirement
Simply having fire doors does not guarantee safety if they are not properly maintained. A fire door maintenance system includes:
- Verifying Proper Automatic Closure
- Inspection of hardware and door closers
- Inspection of intumescent gaskets and seals
- Documented Periodic Functionality Testing
- Check for obstructions or damage
Without regular inspections, even a certified fire door can fail at the most critical moment.
Industrial Safety, Regulations, and Legal Liability
Safety regulations require not only the installation of passive protection systems, but also their documented and verifiable maintenance. This is especially crucial in industrial facilities, public buildings, shopping centers, and recreational spaces where there are large numbers of people.
Failure to comply with these obligations not only puts lives at risk but can also result in legal consequences and penalties.
Conclusion: Active and Passive Prevention—An Indispensable Combination
The rise in fires, both in industrial settings and internationally, shows that prevention is not optional. The combination of active protection systems (detectors, alarms, sprinklers) and passive protection (properly installed and maintained fire doors) is the best defense against tragedies such as the one in Crans-Montana and other recent incidents.
If you want to improve fire safety at your industrial facility or other location, Asturmadi Doors can help you with certified metal fire doors and specialized technical maintenance plans to protect lives and facilities and comply with current regulations.
