Why Fire Safety Can’t Be an Afterthought in Data Centres
Data centres are the nerve centres of our digital economy—powering everything from financial transactions and cloud platforms to healthcare systems and government services. With over 1,200 commercial data centres in the UK and global demand climbing, the stakes have never been higher. But as these facilities scale in size and complexity, so do the risks—especially when it comes to fire.
“Fire safety in data centres is no longer just a compliance checkbox,” says David Simpson, Group Product Director at Drax Technology. “It’s a core element of resilience planning. Without real-time visibility and centralised control, you're essentially flying blind.”
The reality is that while data centre fires are rare, their impact is massive—leading to extended downtime, lost revenue, data loss, and long-term reputational damage. That’s why modern operators are shifting toward proactive, technology-led fire risk management strategies.
Common Causes of Data Centre Fires (And Why They’re Increasing)
Understanding the root causes of fire incidents is critical to building a robust defence. Key fire risks include:
Electrical Failures: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and arc flashes can generate ignition points.
Lithium-ion Battery Overheating: Used in UPS systems, these batteries can experience thermal runaway, leading to fires or explosions.
Inadequate Maintenance: Dust buildup and neglected cooling systems can heighten fire risks.
Human Error: From poor cable management to mishandled installation, human mistakes remain a persistent vulnerability.
“We’re seeing more data centres adopting lithium-ion batteries for energy efficiency, but they also introduce new fire risks that can’t be managed with outdated systems,” adds David.
The High Cost of Ignoring Fire Risk
Recent fires—like the OVHcloud disaster in 2021 or the Maxnod Datacentre blaze in 2023—underscore how unprepared many facilities still are. In both cases, fire didn’t just destroy physical infrastructure; it disrupted cloud services for thousands of businesses.
Modern fire safety isn’t just about damage control. It’s about preventing incidents in the first place.
Centralised Fire Alarm Management: A Game Changer for Data Centres
Fire safety strategies must go beyond suppression systems and evacuation plans. True protection comes from centralised alarm management—a connected, real-time platform that unifies fire detection, monitoring, and response.
According to Simpson, “Centralisation gives operators the superpower of visibility. When you can see every alert, fault, and risk signal across your estate in real time, you don’t just react faster—you prevent better.”
How Drax Technology Helps Future-Proof Your Fire Safety Strategy
With over 25 years of experience in fire alarm integration, Drax Technology delivers a purpose-built platform for large-scale facilities like data centres. Our solutions aren’t just about compliance—they’re about control, resilience, and smarter risk mitigation.
Top Benefits of Drax Technology’s Centralised Fire Alarm Solutions:
Real-Time Monitoring: Detect potential hazards and system faults as they emerge—across one or multiple sites.
Enhanced Compliance: Meet fire safety regulations effortlessly with automated reporting and audit trails.
Reduced Downtime: Rapid response and early alerts help avoid costly disruptions and equipment loss.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined interfaces consolidate fire system data, making inspections and maintenance simple.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leverage analytics to identify recurring issues and improve fire prevention strategies.
Integrated Emergency Response: Enable automatic coordination with suppression systems and emergency protocols.
Cost Savings: Lower the total cost of ownership by preventing incidents and reducing compliance overhead.
Reputational Safeguarding: Demonstrate to stakeholders and clients that safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a competitive advantage.
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