Question about Fires

[geekybear]

Here's a strange question, but here it goes:

In the event of a fire in a building (other than residential structure), does the building lose power often, sometimes, or rarely?

I'm asking this because I'm doing research for a safety class and in the course of my research, I've discovered that main building on campus is lacking auxiliary lighting on a floor. Obviously, this is a safety hazard, but I'm unsure as to how often a building actually loses power during such an emergency. Thanks!

 

[vi edit]

Depending on where the fire broke out, and how hot it was actually burning, I wouldn't find it unreasonable that it could melt both the plastic insulation and the copper wire itself that carries the electricity throughout a building. If the fire broke out by the fuse box and melted it down I would think that it could effectively shut down the power.

Just my thoughts, although I'm not a fireman or fire marshal, so I really wouldn't have any idea really

[edit] Some places may actually cut main power and run off of auxially power once a fire alarm or sprinkler system has kicked in as well.

 

[StageLeft]

Why does it matter? Just like candles flame makes light!

 

[HappyPuppy]

Iwould think that if the power lines didn't melt and short out before the fire department arrived, they would cut the power to the building in order to prevent electrocution of their personell.

Just a wild guess.

 

[911paramedic]

Some places may actually cut main power and run off of auxially power once a fire alarm or sprinkler system has kicked in as well.

Fire sprinklers are water only, but do trigger an alarm (through the main valves, there is a flow switch) at fire dispatch. One of my friends owns a fire sprinkler business, worked with him a while way back when.

Power is lost quite often, because of the fire melting wires causing shorts, and from the water used to fight the fire.