Lucknow: Faulty electrical planning, poor smoke ventilation, use of combustible materials, unsafe façades and inadequate escape routes are most common design flaws turning minor fires into deadly disasters, architects and fire safety experts said on Saturday.A short circuit triggered a blaze at a commercial building in Aliganj recently, killing 15 people, while another fire broke out at the Asha Jyoti Kendra ( on the Lok Bandhu Hospital campus) in Aashiaana.Fire safety expert Rajendra Singh said, “Homes designed for a 3-kW load support one AC, but additional appliances are added over time without upgrading wiring. Commercial establishments follow similar pattern, increasing risk of overloaded circuits, ageing wiring and faulty connections.”He said danger is higher when residential buildings are converted into coaching centres, libraries, offices or hospitals without upgrading electrical systems. “Power consumption rises and partitions reduce evacuation space, while fire safety systems remain as in residential spaces,” he said.Experts cited National Crime Records Bureau data showing UP recorded highest number of deaths due to fires caused by electrical short circuits in 2024, with 174 incidents claiming 175 lives. While short circuit may trigger a fire, most victims die due to smoke inhalation rather than burns, as toxic gases such as carbon monoxide spread rapidly through enclosed spaces and reduce oxygen levels within minutes.Architect Vipul B Varshney said centrally air-conditioned buildings often have sealed windows but lack smoke vents or extraction systems. “Smoke spreads faster than flames and fills corridors and staircases, cutting off escape routes,” she said, adding that many buildings prioritise aesthetics and space over ventilation and smoke-control systems.Interior materials and false ceilings too help fire spread, releasing dense, toxic smoke. Combustible façades allow flames to spread rapidly along a building’s exterior and across floors. Varshney said PVC façade panels, plastic laminates, foam insulation, thermocol, untreated plywood and false ceilings are widely used.“False ceilings conceal wiring and ducts, creating hidden pathways for fire. If materials ignite above the ceiling, flames and smoke can spread before occupants are aware,” she said.Experts said unsafe layouts reduce chances of escape even when a fire remains localised. Singh said many buildings have a single staircase, narrow corridors or too few exits, which get blocked over time by storage or alterations.He also warned that electronically controlled access doors can be dangerous if they fail to unlock automatically during a fire. To exit, people should never need key, card or biometric access ” he said.He said fire-resistant walls, fire-rated doors and compartmentation slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving occupants more time to evacuate and firefighters more time to respond.”Many lapses stem from attempts to cut costs and maximise space, said experts, adding, risks can be reduced through proper electrical planning and periodic upgrades, use of non-combustible materials, smoke extraction systems, protected staircases, adequate exits and regular maintenance.
