Skip to main content

Heritage

Preserving history, securing the future

Historic monuments, museums, theatres, places of worship: fire protection for cultural heritage must combine technical performance, respect for the architecture, and absolute discretion.

DEF works with public and private sector entities to secure their historic sites, from design through maintenance, without ever compromising the integrity of the structures.

protection patrimoine
  • Protect without altering
  • Securing unique assets
  • Preserving for the long term

The main fire risks in Historic Buildings

An uncontrolled fire can result in: destruction of equipment, data loss, disruption of essential services, and enormous financial costs.

Outdated power grids 

The leading cause of fires at listed sites, linked to overloads and overheating. (BARPI, 2023)

Structural frames and combustible materials

Rapid fire spread in old solid-wood structures.

Restoration work involving risk

Open-flame operations cause many fires. (Ministry of Culture, 2024)

Difficult access and complex evacuation

The narrow spaces and the building’s historic layout are slowing down the rescue efforts.

Request a risk assessment
:

Specific requirements for historic buildings and cultural sites

Fire protection for historic sites is governed by several regulatory frameworks designed to ensure the safety of people while preserving the integrity of the buildings.

Need help?
  • TEST12

    Protection of historic monuments

    Heritage Code – Articles L621-1 through L621-29
    Oversees the preservation, restoration, and development of listed or registered monuments

    Heritage Code
  • TEST12

    Fire safety in public access buildings

    Decree of 25 June 1980 – public access buildings regulations
    Applicable to museums, theatres, exhibition halls, or places of worship that are open to the public.

    Decree of 25 June 1980
  • TEST12

    Technical standards for fire safety

    APSAD R7, R13, and R17
    Oversee the design and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems.

    APSAD
  • TEST12

    Approval from the Architects des Bâtiments de France

    Any visible modifications or the installation of technical equipment must be approved by the Architects de Bâtiments de France (ABF).

    Approval from the Architects des Bâtiments de France
  • TEST12

    Cathedral plan and specific devices

    Certain major monuments are subject to enhanced preventive measures as part of national heritage protection policies.

    Cathedral plan and specific systems
comble protection incendie
Salle d exposition
SALLE ZONE STOCKAGE 1
salles de spectacle detection incendie
SALLE LOCALE TECHNIQUE

Roof frames and attics

  • Roof frames and attics
  • Exhibition halls
  • Reserves and archives
  • Performance spaces and theatres
  • Technical areas

DEF at a glance

These figures confirm that the sooner a problem is detected, the greater the safety.

  • 80 %
  • Incidents occur outside of business hours, often at night. (BARPI, 2023) 
  • 1 in 3 fires
  • occurs during renovation work on a listed historic site. (Ministry of Culture, 2024) 
  • 50,000 protected buildings
  • require security systems tailored to their architecture. (Mérimée Database) 
  • 90 %
  • of damage prevented by low-pressure water mist, which is less destructive than sprinklers. (CNPP, 2022) 

Solutions for historic sites

Fire protection for historic buildings requires a specific approach: ensuring the safety of people and collections without altering the structure or the aesthetics of the site.

DEF implements solutions tailored to the architectural constraints of historic monuments, the requirements of the Architectes des Bâtiments de France, and the operational conditions of cultural sites.

detection incendie charpentes

Fire detection systems suitable for historic buildings

In historic sites or museums, the installation of visible equipment is often restricted.
The détection monitor sensitive volumes discreetly, such as roof spaces, timber structures and exhibition rooms.

These solutions provide reliable detection while integrating seamlessly into the existing architecture, without detracting from the spaces.

Discover the LOTA line
proction incendie notre dame

Water mist for the protection of historic structures

The wooden frames and structures found in many historic buildings can contribute to the rapid spread of fire.

The brouillard d’eau basse pression limit the rise in temperature and contain the fire while using far less water.

This technology is particularly well-suited for attics and architecturally sensitive spaces.

Talk to a DEF expert

Residue-free extinguishing for archives and collections

In storage facilities, galleries, or conservation areas, protecting works of art and documents is a top priority.

TheIn storage facilities, galleries, or conservation areas, protecting works of art and documents is a top priority. Inert gas fire suppression systems extinguish fires without leaving moisture or residue, thereby minimising the risk of damage to collections. These solutions are particularly well-suited for archives, libraries, and museum storage facilities. extinguish a fire without moisture or residue, limiting the risk of damage to collections.

These solutions are particularly well-suited for archives, libraries, and museum storage facilities.

Request an audit
supervision detection incendie patrimoine

Supervision and monitoring of installations

Heritage buildings may include several technical areas, rooms open to the public, and conservation spaces.

Fire monitoring solutions allow you to centralise information from the fire safety system and track alarms, faults, and maintenance operations. TheMon SSI Facile service also allows users to view key fire safety system information on a mobile device, making it easier to manage installations on a daily basis.

Request a demo
protection changier restauration

Protection of restoration sites

Restoration work is a particularly sensitive period for historic monuments.

DEF installs Restoration work is a particularly sensitive period for historic monuments. DEF installs temporary fire detection and alarm systems tailored to construction sites to ensure the safety of restoration work without affecting the existing structures.

Assess the risks

Our services

DEF supports you at every stage of your fire safety

We offer services tailored to your needs, to support you effectively and guarantee quality results.

Video

Discover our solution

Teams specialising in heritage preservation

DEF has regional offices that work closely with the Regional Directorates for Cultural Affairs (DRAC), heritage architects, and cultural institutions, enabling it to respond quickly to issues at heritage sites.

Protect your assets and secure your buildings

DEF experts assist you with fire protection for your historic sites.
Request an appointment

DEF Assistant

DEF Assistant

Let’s talk about your project

The assistant is typing…

Answers generated by artificial intelligence from the DEF website’s content: please check important information with our teams. Do not share personal information.