Fire is a basic element. I blogged about the cinematic quest for it in an entry in October. Being able to control fire is a major cornerstone of civilization and proof of man's evolution.Still, beyond the primitive fascination, there must be a universal destructive relationship between man's dwellings and fire. Fires where people live are an important part of history both recent and ancient. For example many cities including this one have completely burnt down in the past. In New Westminster, it occurred in 1898.
Technology brings new more flammable materials yet provides the means to extinguish them with new fire-fighting apparatus. I saw some the other night. This building's alarm system is a miracle of sorts, controlling elevator access and fans as well as just the warning siren. The night of the apartment fire, indicator lights in lobby access panels were flashing in a colourful display one would expect at NASA's mission control.
