From Design to Disaster: A Review of Fire Hazards in Building Façades

As urban fires become more common, there's growing concern about how building facades can contribute to the spread of flames. This article investigates the major issues and progress being made to improve fire safety by rethinking how facades are designed. It brings together insights from different fields such as architecture, material science, and safety regulations to understand how safer designs can be implemented. Many tall buildings today are still at risk because they use outdated cladding and follow weak safety policies. By reviewing recent case studies and the theories associated with façade fires, the article shows that using the right fire-resistant materials, dividing buildings into safer sections, and applying thoughtful, modern design can make a real difference. It offers practical guidance for architects, engineers, and city planners to prioritize fire safety right from the beginning of the design process helping to protect lives and communities.