Losing a building to fire means losing far more than just the physical structure itself. Schools hold a central role in society: they are centres of learning and gathering, where communities unite, social bonds are strengthened, and neighbourhood identity is shaped. The consequences of a fire in a school building therefore extend far beyond the immediate damage.
More than just a building
Schools often have a broader social role. They host after-school care, welfare organisations, language classes or sports activities. They serve as meeting places for people of all ages, contributing significantly to the cohesion and identity of a neighbourhood.
However, the impact of a school fire extends far beyond the loss of a building. If a school building is rendered unusable by fire, a temporary replacement location must be found quickly. In some cases, the new location may be further away, requiring children to travel longer distances. Not every family has access to a car, and the route may involve dangerous intersections, making cycling unsafe. In such situations, children may need to be accompanied by a parent.
In short, a school fire has serious consequences for both children and parents. When a school is destroyed by fire, the effects are felt across the entire community.
How one fire disrupted a city centre: Belfast
On 28 August 2018, the centre of Belfast was struck by a devastating fire in the historic Bank Buildings, which housed a Primark store and was undergoing renovation at the time. The fire raged for days.
As a result, the building partially collapsed and was almost destroyed. The damage was enormous, and the restoration work to return the building to its former glory took months.
The economic impact was felt immediately. Fourteen nearby shops were forced to close, footfall in the city centre dropped by roughly a third, Estimates put the loss in trade at over £3 million in revenue in the weeks following the fire. Public transport also suffered, with passenger numbers dropping by almost 30%.
But it was about more than just numbers. The fire damaged the city’s heritage, vitality, and the sense of confidence in the centre as the beating heart of Belfast.
When a school burns, a neighbourhood burns
The impact of a school fire can be just as devastating. On New Year’s Eve 2015, two primary schools in Uden were destroyed by fire. Pupils had to be relocated to other schools, teaching materials were lost, and residents of a neighbouring apartment complex were evacuated.
In 2019, when a fire broke out at Dunfermline High School in Scotland, the far-reaching consequences once again became clear. Around 1,400 pupils had to be accommodated elsewhere, which was particularly stressful for vulnerable students.
At the same time, a strong sense of solidarity emerged: businesses offered rooms, residents raised funds, and meal services were organised. However, despite this positive community response, the negative consequences of a school fire are often far more severe.
Fire resilience as a social responsibility
Fire resilience in schools must be a top priority. The high numbers of occupants - often young children – increase the risk of injury, make evacuation more complex, and can lead to long-term consequences well beyond the incident itself..
That is why it is crucial to select fire-resilient building materials and systems from the very start of the design process. Schools are often the heart of a community, fulfilling roles that extend well beyond education. By prioritising fire safety in their construction, we can help these essential facilities to serve and protect future generations.
