Elevators that work during fires

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has reported on a project to build protected elevators that continue to function during a fire. Instigated by the terrorist attacks of September 11 2001, the lifts would be used to ferry fire-fighters to the scene of the blaze and as a secondary evacuation method. Stairs will continue to be the prime method of evacuation.

To be successful the lifts will need elevator dedicated power systems, waterproof elevator components a well as software and sensors that adapt to changes smoke and heat conditions to maintain safe and reliable operation.

Source: NIST