Fire doors are a critical component to building safety. These specially engineered fire prevention devices stop the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases, minimising damage to property and saving lives.

But the modern fire door as we know it hasn’t always been this way. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of fire doors and how they’ve evolved over time – from basic barriers to sophisticated safety features.

The Origins of Fire Doors

Doors have been around for thousands of years. The use of doors most likely predates written history, so it’s difficult to pinpoint when or where the first one was created. But ruins from ancient civilisations, like Ancient Egyptians and the Romans, show evidence of barriers using stone, wood and other sturdy materials.

As well as providing security and privacy, these rudimentary doors would have been used to compartmentalise and prevent the spread of fire, hinting at early fire prevention methods.

With the advances in metalworking during the Iron Age, doors not only became more ornate, but stronger and sturdier too. By the Middle Ages, doors were an integral part of buildings, with wooden door frames and planks with metal hinges and locks more commonplace.

Fast forward to the late 18^th century, design advancements like mortise locks, automatic closers, and hinges enabled doors to become much more secure and functional. Shortly after that, modern fire doors were invented.

Major Fires That Changed the Course

Individual fires throughout history have changed the course of fire safety. The Great Fire of London was a major, devastating fire in 1666 that swept through central London for four days. Miraculously, only six people died but the fire rendered 85% of the city’s population homeless.

At the time of the fire in the 17^th century, London’s architecture was dominated by timber buildings. Even the water pipes were made of wood. This, combined with a long, hot summer, strong winds, and closely built properties, was the reason the fire spread so easily.

The destruction caused by the fire prompted a move towards less flammable building materials like brick and stone. The 1667 Rebuilding Act aimed to eliminate the risks which had caused the fire to spread so viciously, stating: “No man whatsoever shall presume to erect any house or building, whether great or small, but of brick or stone.”

The Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory fire in 1911 is also widely considered a pivotal moment in history for fire safety regulations. The fire started on the eighth floor of the Asch Building in Manhattan. But because the doors to the stairwells and exits were locked by the owners in a bid to prevent theft and unauthorised breaks, many workers were unable to escape from the burning building. Tragically, 146 workers lost their lives from smoke inhalation, burning to death or jumping from windows in desperation.

As a result of the fire, New York passed the Sullivan-Hoey Fire Prevention Law, requiring factory owners to install sprinkler systems. The New York City Fire Prevention Bureau was established, and additional regulations were mandated to improve building access and emergency exits. The tragedy also led to a significant shift in safety regulations worldwide, with an emphasis on clear and accessible exits.

Technological Advancements in Fire Door Design 

Fire doors have changed significantly from the ones we use today. In the 20^th century, asbestos was hailed as a wonder material for its fire-resistant properties. And it’s not hard to see why – with a melting point of 871°C, this non-flammable and non-combustible material was used in many buildings and in the construction of fire doors.

However, by 1970, the health risks of asbestos – most notably the risk of lung cancer – were better understood. Asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999, making it illegal to buy, sell, import or export any materials containing asbestos.

Now, modern fire doors are made using safe and approved materials. The most commonly used type of fire door in the UK is timber. But composite fire doors are increasingly popular. Made from a combination of fire-resistant materials like gypsum, steel and vermiculite boards, composite fire doors are a strong durable product that can withstand daily wear and tear and resist warping and cracking.

In the UK, building regulations require fire doors to be tested and certified to BS 476-22. During the testing procedure, a complete fire doorset is prepared and fixed onto a wall. The fire door is then exposed to the heat conditions anticipated in a real fire, while its stability and integrity are observed by an independent body. After the testing, the fire door is given its official rating. 

Regulations and Standards: A Driving Force

It’s not just fire doors themselves that have evolved. Fire regulations and standards have also had to adapt. Initially, many building safety codes were localised. But over time, catastrophic fires have led to the adoption of both national and international standards.

The BSI group has developed standards for testing and installation. For the most part trade bodies have done extremely little to raise standards. In recent years much of the increased knowledge and awareness has fallen to and been driven by independent training companies in absense of leadership from elsewhere.

UK Fire Door Training has led the way with both practical and online based training for the industry.

Modern Fire Doors: A Blend of Aesthetics and Functionality

Architects and designers play a crucial role in modern building design and selecting the right fire doors. As well as making sure fire doors are effective and fit for purpose, there’s a growing requirement to ensure they complement a building’s aesthetic.

Thankfully, fire doors have come a long way since the rudimentary barriers used thousands of years ago. Today, fire doors can be easily customised with various finishes, veneers and designs to match the environment they’re in, providing visual appeal as well as that all-important safety and functionality.

Timber fire doors are most commonly used because they are so versatile. Timber suits various environments, including commercial, residential and industrial. And it’s easily customisable to be in keeping with different design styles.

Glazed fire doors are also increasingly popular because they offer visibility and allow natural light to flow, while still maintaining their fire-resistant properties.

The Future of Fire Doors

As technology evolves and buildings and materials become more advanced, so too does fire door design and functionality. Today, advancements in technology are paving the way for companies to explore smart fire doors.

In the not-so-distant future, these next generation fire doors could include remote monitoring of a door’s status, providing live updates about any issues; sensors that detect smoke or fire; closing mechanisms that activate in the event of a fire; and integration with security systems to regulate who can pass through.

Research is also ongoing into materials that might offer even better fire protection properties. Two recent studies discovered how mycelium (a network of fungal threads) could be used to create compressed sheets of fire-retardant material. The hope is that such sheets could replace flammable cladding panels like the ones that contributed to the deadly Grenfell Tower fire.

Conclusion

Fire doors and fire regulations are constantly evolving. Catastrophic fires, changes in technology, and new building materials mean that what started as simple barriers have developed into advanced safety devices.  Proper fire door installation, maintenance and inspection are vital to ensure life safety.

Keeping on top of these changes is best achieved through regular training and awareness. Here at UK Fire Door Training, we have five specially designed courses to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to install, maintain and inspect fire doors with confidence – as well as keep you up to date with industry or regulatory changes.

All our courses take place online, allowing you to learn at your own pace from wherever you’re based. We also go the extra mile to ensure our courses are user-friendly and cater to people with special educational needs, making sure every trainee gets the attention they deserve. 

Browse our online fire door training courses here.