Learning from Disasters
Windsor Castle, England
The fire at Windsor Castle occurred on the morning of 20 November 1992. The castle suffered severe damage in the fire, which destroyed some of the most historic parts of the castle which is the largest ... Read More
La Fenice, Venice, Italy
On 29 January 1996, La Fenice was destroyed by fire. The fire was started by two electricians. Their reason for setting the fire was apparently due to their contracting company facing significant fines for delays ... Read More
Troitsky Cathedral, Russia
The Troitsky Cathedral (or Trinity Cathedral) is located in St Petersburg, Russia St and is famed for its 80-metre-high central dome made of wood. On 25 August 2006, while restoration work was underway, fire apparently ... Read More
Manège Militaire de Québec
The Manège Militaire de Québec was the home to Canada's oldest French infantry regiment. It was built in 1884 and designed by Eugène-Étienne Taché who also designed the Parliament buildings and the old Quebec Courthouse. The building ... Read More
Namdaemun Gate, South Korea
Namdaemun Gate in South Korea was completed in 1398. It was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul. In 1962 it had been given the status of “National Treasure No.1" for South Korea. On 10 February 2008, ... Read More
Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark was built in 1869, and sailed its first voyage in 1870. It was reserved as a tribute to merchant navy workers. Over 15 million people visited the ship each year. During restoration work during ... Read More
Bistrita Church, Romania
Bistrita Church, Romania The 700-year-old Evangelist church in the city of Bistrita in Romania’s Transylvania region burned June 11, 2008 during renovation works. According to official sources the church’s main spire, which at 75 meters (247-feet) ... Read More
Kapelbrücke Bridge, Switzer
Built in 1313 Kapelbrücke Bridge in Switzerland is Europe’s oldest and longest (200m) covered wooden bridge. Destroyed by fire: August 1993 . View Video Contributing Factors Discarded cigarette Significant combustible materials No detection No automatic suppression Firefighter access
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