Why might certain doors on stairwells be locked during an evacuation?

In the context of high-rise fire safety, certain doors on stairwells may be locked during an evacuation primarily because they are intended to comply with fire codes and safety regulations. Building and fire codes often dictate that certain exits should remain unlocked during emergencies to facilitate safe evacuation; however, there are specific situations wherein locking certain doors, such as those leading to areas that could be dangerous or less secure during an emergency, is appropriate to ensure the overall safety of occupants.

For instance, locking a door leading to a roof may be crucial to prevent individuals from accessing a potentially hazardous area where they could be exposed to risks from smoke or fire above. Additionally, keeping specific doors locked can help control the flow of individuals in a building, ensuring that they follow designated evacuation routes, which are typically the safest and most efficiently marked paths. Emergency responders may also rely on certain door configurations to manage evacuation more effectively.

This measure does not contradict the purpose of fire safety but instead enhances safety by ensuring that evacuation routes remain clear and that building occupants do not inadvertently wander into unsafe areas during emergencies. Therefore, locking specific doors during an evacuation can be a necessary strategy integrated into comprehensive fire safety planning.