In Spain, there’s a growing concern among the population regarding the use of building materials that could increase the risk of fires in structures. A recent survey conducted by NC Report for the New Fire Risks Observatory shows an overwhelming 91% of Spaniards are worried about the presence of combustible materials in buildings. This highlights an increasing awareness and the need for a review of the current regulations.
The study, titled “Public Perception of the Risk of Fires in Building Facades,” shows broad agreement on modifying regulations. Eighty-six percent of survey participants support the implementation of stricter rules that ban the use of combustible materials in tall buildings and in sensitive facilities such as hospitals and schools. Only 5.4% of the population is satisfied with the current regulations, suggesting an imminent need to update the Building Technical Code to align with the most advanced European standards.
Furthermore, fire safety has become a key criterion in public perception of facade rehabilitation. According to the data, a decisive 92.8% of respondents consider safety an “important or very important” aspect. This shows that fire prevention has established itself as a priority in evaluating the sustainability and safety of a building. Although 52.5% of Spaniards believe it’s imperative to find a balance between safety, energy efficiency, and economy when rehabilitating their homes, safety is not seen as an obstacle to saving money.
However, there is a notable lack of technical knowledge among the populace. Sixty-two point three percent of survey participants are unaware of the materials present in their home facades, and 60% do not know how the combustibility of these materials affects the spread of fire. This gap in knowledge underlines the urgency of developing clearer and more accessible regulation, accompanied by a strong informational effort.
Andrés Pedreira, the director of the New Fire Risks Observatory, points out that the population is willing to prioritize safety without compromising sustainability or economic savings. “Prevention and efficiency must go hand in hand,” declares Pedreira, emphasizing the importance of more robust education on building safety.
The New Fire Risks Observatory, dedicated to monitoring and analyzing risks associated with new technologies, has published a “Manifesto for Regulatory Change for Fire Protection in Buildings in Spain.” This document is supported by 21 entities in engineering, safety, and construction, to strengthen the demands on the materials and systems used in facades, showing a strong commitment to improving current regulations for public safety.