Why aren’t high rise office fires more common/unsurvivable?
They used to, then builders got wise to it. Now we build high rises out of concrete and glass, which don't catch on fire. We restrict how much flammable material is used on the floors of high rises and don't allow anything flammable at all in the stairwells (that's why the stairs are pretty much …
The Short Answer
They used to, then builders got wise to it. Now we build high rises out of concrete and glass, which don't catch on fire. We restrict how much flammable material is used on the floors of high rises and don't allow anything flammable at all in the stairwells (that's why the stairs are pretty much always barren concrete with metal railings), which makes it more difficult for the fires to spread between floors.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Used, high, rises
This explanation focuses on used, high, rises and spans 73 words across 3 sentences. The depth is typical for General Knowledge questions (category average: 68 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “They used to, then builders got wise to it.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.
How This Compares in General Knowledge
Ranked #193 of 500 General Knowledge questions by answer depth (top 39%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why high rise office fires more common/unsurvivable?
They used to, then builders got wise to it. Now we build high rises out of concrete and glass, which don't catch on fire. We restrict how much flammable material is used on the floors of high rises and don't allow anything flammable at all in the…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar General Knowledge questions?
This is an above-average answer at 73 words, ranked #193 of 500 General Knowledge questions by depth. The key concepts covered are used, high, rises.
What approach does this answer take to explain high rise office fires more common/unsurvivable?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 73 words. It is categorized under General Knowledge and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.