High-rise buildings under NFPA 101 typically require which egress considerations?

• A. High-rise buildings generally require only one means of egress if sprinklers are installed.
• B. High-rise buildings generally require more than one means of egress and may require pressurized stair enclosures and additional egress provisions.
• C. High-rise buildings have no special egress requirements beyond floor area.
• D. High-rise buildings require accessible routes but not additional egress.

Answer: (B)

High-rise buildings must have reliable, independent paths to safety because smoke and heat can block one route, so occupants need more than one escape option. NFPA 101 requires more than one means of egress for tall buildings, and those exits are often protected stair enclosures that may be pressurized to keep stairs tenable and smoke-free during a fire. This combination—multiple escape routes plus protected, sometimes pressurized stairs and additional egress measures—ensures occupants can evacuate or reach a safe area even if part of the building is compromised. Sprinklers help life safety, but they do not replace the need for multiple egress paths.