Fires and Human Behaviour

The need to understand human behaviour in fires has not diminished in the ten years since the first edition of this book was published. This second edition reproduces from that first volume the detailed studies of a large number of serious incidents. Further detailed studies have also been added of recent fire disasters such as those at Bradford City football ground and Kings Cross station. A new chapter summarising the patterns of behaviour that are characteristic of major emergencies has been written drawing on surveys of domestic fires and fire in public buildings to illustrate what actually occurs. David Canter's studies of human behaviour in fires has led to his being called to give evidence to the Popplewell Inquiry into the Bradford City fire and the Fennel Inquiry into the Kings Cross fire. He has also advised Eurotunnel and British Steel on fire and safety related matters.