Fire-Based Emergencies

Fire incidents are among the most devastating. If not entirely consumed by fire, the effects of extreme heat, soot, smoke, and water can permanently impact collection items. The following videos provide an overview of fire emergency management.

Fire Suppression and Detection

This video reviews the preventative measures the Smithsonian has implemented to protect our collections and colleagues from fire.

Holy Smokes! Fire Workshop

This video provides an overview of a collaborative effort with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to train SI staff in fire emergency preparedness and response.

Dirty Details

This video takes a closer look at soot and smoke and, should the worst occur, how you might salvage and triage items affected by the byproducts of fire. Dirty Details: Quick Reference Guide

Note: Collection items affected by fire are often also affected by water or other fire suppression agents. Many approaches to putting out a fire (sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and fire hoses) may cause damage to cultural heritage items. For more information on caring for collections affected by water, visit our Water-Based Emergencies page.

To learn more about the impacts of foam or wet chemical fire on collection items see, "The Impact of Fire Extinguisher Agents on Cultural Resource Materials” by Mathew Benfer, Joseph Scheffey, Eric Forssell and Emily Williams.