Smoke movement in elevator shafts during a high-rise structural fire

In high-rise fires, smoke is often the leading cause of fatalities. Therefore, in the event of a fire, the ability to predict the movement of smoke throughout a tall structure is of vital importance. Smoke moves depending on a number of interacting and complex factors including weather conditions, building construction, operation of HVAC equipment, as well as the location and intensity of the fire. Smoke often travels long distances from the fire floor, and in the particular case of a high-rise fire, smoke frequently moves to upper floors via open passages such as elevator shafts and stairwells.