Real-world tests, observed by firefighters from around the
country, were conducted in a building on Governors Island. When
a fire breaks out, members of the fire service do whatever it
takes to put out the blaze and usher the victims to safety.
While they are highly trained professionals with state-of-the-
art gear, one still wonders, “Who has their backs?” The answer:
Engineers from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University.
Since 2007, they have been working with the fire departments of
New York City and Chicago to study the dynamics of wind-driven
fires. This collaboration has resulted in a fundamental change
in firefighting practice to protect those we rely upon to keep
us safe. Mitigating Risk at High-Rises Wind makes all fires more
dangerous but particularly on the upper floors of tall
buildings, where the spread of smoke and heat can make it
difficult for inhabitants to reach safety on the ground. While
many new high-rises are equipped with stairwell-safety and
automatic-sprinkler systems, most r