Following investigation of the fire which occurred on April 15, 1958 at the Museum of Modern Art in which one life and two paintings were lost, it was concluded: 1. Since life safety is the principal factor the museum should conform on all counts to the NFPA Building Exits Code. 2. The museum should be completely sprinklered. 3. All stairway, elevator and fire doors should be kept closed. 4. All combustible material within the museum should be kept to a minimum. 5. Separately constructed, properly protected, cut-off storage areas should be provided which will store any art objects not on exhibit. 6. Smoke detection equipment to shut down air conditioning systems in the building is recommended where the panic hazard may be pronounced or where the contents may be smoke damaged. (See NFPA Standard No. 90A.) 7. A capable person should be placed in charge of all fire protection for the building. 8. Fire drills should be held at frequent intervals. Some person should be delegated to see that all fire doors are closed. 9. During construction or renovation (see NFPA Standard No. 241) the following essentials apply: a. Areas under renovation should be closed off from the rest of the building; b. All exhibits should be removed from the area involved; c. Extra extinguishers, hose lines, and a fire watchman should be provided. d. All fire protection equipment such as standpipes and sprinkler system should be in full operating order or where a small section is out of order temporary connections, plugs, or by-passes should be installed to maintain as much service as possible; e. All guards, employees and construction people should understand that the fire alarm is to be given first and the fire fought second or simultaneously with the help on hand; f. Smoking, welding and cutting, and other similar hazardous operations should be limited to safe areas under proper supervision. -- AATA