The recent blaze in the Channel Tunnel was a worrying echo of the fire in 1996.
We have yet to see photographs of the interior, but tunnel fires can be very destructive as images from the last fire show. In 1996, the 0.4m thick concrete lining was reduced by spalling in places to a mean depth of 0.17m.
Despite advice to build in adequate passive fire protection, the builders and tunnel owners worked on the assumption that there would not be a severe fire. But even after the last fire, this advice was ignored.
Most attention has been focused on the potential loss of life. However, there is a significant risk of damage to the tunnel structure in a severe fire. The consequences of a collapse of the Channel Tunnel on the UK economy would be significant.
It is perhaps unrealistic to expect to bring the tunnel itself up to the required standard of built-in fire protection. But that does not mean we should do nothing. By applying passive fire protection principles to the trains themselves, any fire would be contained within the individual carriage at a relatively modest cost.
Fire will break out again at some time 鈥� this latest is the third in the past 12 years. Next time, the outcome could be far worse. The technology and knowledge is available. Let us build in the protection to avoid a catastrophe.
David Sugden, chairman, the Passive Fire Protection Federation
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