Museums, archives, and libraries preserve unique evidence of our history and cultural identity: paintings, manuscripts, photographs, books, and archaeological finds. A fire can destroy these treasures irretrievably in a very short time. That is why fire protection in these institutions is much more than a technical necessity – it is a central responsibility to ensure that cultural memory remains alive for future generations.
Both in public areas and in archives, handling irreplaceable cultural assets requires the utmost care. Collections that have grown over centuries must not only be stored securely, but also under ideal conditions. Modern archives and museum depots feature precise climate control, controlled humidity, regulated light exposure, and automated storage technology. However, this technical perfection poses new challenges, as electrical systems can become a source of ignition in the event of a malfunction. In compact or rarely visited depots, there is also a risk that fires will develop unnoticed and spread rapidly.
The high density of stored objects and highly flammable packaging material used to protect them from dust and light increase the fire load and, in the event of a fire, quickly lead to massive smoke development – with serious consequences. Smoke and soot contaminate collections across the board and can permanently damage sensitive artifacts, even without open flames.
The saying “where there's smoke, there's fire” is only true to a certain extent. In electrical systems in particular, cables can smolder for long periods of time and release smoke long before flames become visible. If such a smoldering fire is not detected, there is a serious risk of smoke and fire damage – even a major fire.
Modern fire protection systems can detect fires before significant smoke develops – or, ideally, prevent them completely.
Early detection: Aspirating smoke detection systems such as TITANUS® detect fires at an early stage by continuously sampling air via a pipe network and sensitively detecting even the smallest smoke particles. Intelligent sensor technology reliably distinguishes between interference factors such as dust and fire particles, thereby avoiding false alarms. Thanks to sensitivity up to 2,000 times higher than conventional point-type detectors, those responsible gain valuable minutes to intervene. The systems blend inconspicuously into any environment and operate almost silently – ideal for depots and archives as well as exhibition rooms, theaters, or concert halls.
Fire prevention: Oxygen reduction systems such as OxyReduct® create a protective atmosphere in archives and depots in which fires cannot spread. Controlled introduction of nitrogen reduces the oxygen content to such an extent that open flames can no longer form – with time-limited access to the rooms for people. This technology is referred to as active fire prevention, as it systematically prevents fires under defined conditions.
Where fire prevention systems are not feasible, gas fire extinguishing systems such as FirExting® are used for fire extinguishing . These systems combat fires immediately after detection – quickly, without leaving any residue and without causing any damage. Unlike water-based systems, which can damage sensitive values with moisture or foam, gas fire extinguishing systems are ideal for objects that need to be protected. The gas is stored in a space-saving manner and piped away out of sight. Special SILENT nozzles and pressure relief valves provide additional protection for exhibits.
These measures help to contain risks at an early stage and enable intervention before valuable cultural assets are damaged.
Best Practice: Kunstmuseum Basel
The German IFS fire cause statistics for 2024 show that defective electrical systems are the most common cause of fires, accounting for 30% of cases, followed by human error. Effective fire protection is therefore based on a detailed risk analysis that takes into account fire loads – such as paper, wood, plastics, or packaging – structural conditions, and the significance of the objects.
An example of a risk-appropriate fire protection solution can be found at the Kunstmuseum Basel. With over 300,000 works from eight centuries, it is one of the most important public art collections. To protect its depots, the museum relies on TITANUS® aspirating smoke detection systems in combination with OxyReduct® oxygen reduction. Five areas with up to 1,750 m³ are permanently monitored and protected against fire by a controlled reduction of the oxygen content to approx. 13.2-13.4% – without extinguishing water, consequential damage, or impairment of the works.
The concept combines technological innovation with cultural responsibility and shows how technical fire protection actively contributes to the preservation of cultural assets, thereby reliably protecting irreplaceable values. Fire protection systems can optionally be linked to a hazard management system such as VisuLAN® for transparent security throughout the entire building.
To reliably protect the valuable artifacts in the depots of the Kunstmuseum Basel from fire, the museum is relying on holistic fire protection solutions from WAGNER for its new building. ©Kunstmuseum Basel
This article appeared in ©KulturBetrieb. Magazine for innovative and economic solutions in museums, libraries, and archives; issue two (October 2025).
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