Fires often break out suddenly and spread quickly. Besides the flames, smoke is usually the main cause of casualties and damage after a fire. A recent apartment fire in Taiwan is a typical example of this. Although the fire didn’t start inside the homeowner’s unit, thick smoke quickly spread through the stairwell, affecting multiple households.
The homeowner had installed a BlueWhale Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door six years earlier, which proved crucial this time. Although the door was slightly deformed by heat, it effectively blocked smoke from entering the home.
Thanks to that, the interior was basically untouched, and even the family’s pet remained safe.
This article looks at the on-site situation to show how the door provided protection, and explains how simple post-fire repairs allowed it to stay fully functional.
Case Summary
On the evening of August 12, 2025, a fire broke out in a five-story apartment building in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
The fire started in a neighbor’s living room. Flames spread quickly, thick smoke surged upward, affecting multiple households and leaving several residents injured by smoke inhalation.
The homeowner had installed a BlueWhale Entrance Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door at the entryway. Under intense heat and smoke, the upper half’s handcrafted paint peeled and the electronic lock casing deformed, but the door structure remained intact and the interior walls stayed pristine white. Smoke and tar were kept out, and the homeowner’s pet remained unharmed.
Homeowner’s Preparation
In 2019, the homeowner, newly married, bought and renovated the apartment: rewiring the entire unit and choosing fire-resistant materials for the main building components.
Instead of using a traditional iron door with gaps at the entrance, they prioritized a door with fire-resistant, smoke-proof, soundproof, aesthetic, and smart features. That’s why they chose the BlueWhale Entrance Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door, selecting the exclusive “Lake” design and paired with German handmade paint in an antique gray bronze color.
And the inner surface material of the door leaf was chosen from a specified style, customized to match the warm and cozy home decor.
Fire Incident and On-Site Observations
Incident Overview
On the day of the fire, a neighboring apartment’s living room caught fire for unknown reasons. The fire spread quickly, and thick smoke rushed up through the stairwell.
When the homeowner was notified, they initially thought it was a small fire. However, upon returning home, they saw the stairwell filled with black soot and tar, and the neighbor’s unit was severely damaged.
The upstairs resident used a traditional security iron door, and during the fire, smoke entered their home. Not only were the ceilings blackened, but their furniture was also coated with a layer of tar.
Condition of the BlueWhale Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door
Due to the high temperature lasting over 30 minutes, the homeowner’s door and electronic lock showed signs of heat exposure. Anxiously, the homeowner opened the door to check on their dog who was home alone—fortunately, the dog was safe and unharmed. After inspecting other areas inside the home, everything appeared normal.
Although the homeowner’s unit was directly facing the fire source, thanks to the barrier and protection provided by the BlueWhale Entrance Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door, the home suffered almost no major impact.
In contrast to the stairwell blackened by smoke and the upstairs unit’s ceiling and furniture covered with tar, the homeowner’s walls remained clean and free of tar, demonstrating the excellent smoke-blocking performance of the BlueWhale door.
It not only protected the homeowner’s property and saved cleaning costs but also prevented unnecessary losses and troubles.
Post-Fire Technical Inspection and Repair Recommendations
After the fire, senior technicians from BlueWhale arrived on site to inspect the damage. Although the fire was intense, the cast aluminum door face and steel structure of the BlueWhale Entrance Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door leaf showed no deformation.
However, due to strong heat and smoke exposure on the outside and the electronic lock, the damaged parts mainly included peeling of the handmade paint on the upper half of the door leaf, deformation of the electronic lock casing, deformation and shrinkage of the EPDM rubber strips caused by prolonged heat, and swelling of the smoke seal after exposure to high temperatures.
After a professional assessment, the following repairs are recommended:
- Door Leaf: Only the damaged surface needs to be sanded off and repainted with German handmade paint for partial restoration.
- Electronic Lock: Inspect and replace damaged components.
- EPDM Rubber Strips: The airtight rubber strip deformed by high temperature needs to be replaced.
- Smoke Seal: Due to thermal expansion, it must be replaced according to regulations following the incident.
From this case study, it is clear that without effective smoke barriers, the interior would face extensive cleaning, removal of soot and odors, replacement of soft furnishings, and other costs and repair time, resulting in significant time and financial expense.
Thanks to the excellent fire resistance and smoke-blocking functions of the BlueWhale Entrance Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door, the cleaning scope was greatly reduced, the homeowner’s sense of safety was quickly restored, and they were able to return to normal life much faster.
Additional Fire Safety Knowledge
Based on this fire incident, here are some important disaster prevention insights:
1) The “Chimney Effect” in Stairwells
Hot gases and thick smoke from a fire rise quickly. Stairwells, as vertical spaces, act like natural chimneys, drawing smoke upward. This explains why the upper part of the front door suffered the most heat damage and paint peeling, and why upstairs residents were more affected by smoke even if their units didn’t catch fire.
Therefore, entrance doors must have reinforced sealing and heat-resistant structures at the top edge. Hinges and door closers should be well-maintained to ensure the door automatically closes tightly during a fire, keeping smoke out.
2) Rubber Strips and Smoke Seals Are Both Essential
Many people think applying a Rubber Strip to door gaps is enough to stop smoke, but in reality, both the airtight Rubber Strip and Smoke Seal must work together to hold back thick smoke.
- Rubber Strips: Normally used for soundproofing and pest prevention, it also delays smoke entry initially. However, it loses elasticity under high heat and must be replaced after a fire.
- Smoke Seals: Expands automatically with heat to fully seal door gaps, blocking smoke when it’s most dangerous. It is a one-time-use material and must be replaced after use.
So, a certified fire-rated smoke-seal door requires Fire-Resistant Structure + Rubber Strips + Smoke Seals. Missing any of these compromises safety.
3) Fire Escape Decisions
Escape strategy depends on where the fire starts:
- If the fire starts indoors, closing the main door blocks hot smoke from inside, allowing safe escape outside to wait for firefighters.
- If the fire starts outdoors, smoke rises rapidly; closing the main door blocks smoke entry, and staying inside to await rescue may be safer.
BlueWhale Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door
With over 40 years of expertise, BlueWhale is a trusted manufacturer of premium soundproof doors that also deliver certified fire and smoke protection—providing both peace and safety.
Features of the BlueWhale Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door
The BlueWhale Entrance Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door used in this case is more than just an ordinary door. Besides excellent soundproofing, it is a safety door that has undergone rigorous testing and holds complete certifications for fire resistance and smoke sealing.
Key Certifications:
Fire Resistance: Certified 60A fire-rated—resists flames for 60 minutes. Label and report available.
*Certified for double doors up to 260 × 270 cm.Smoke Resistance: Certified to block smoke for 60 minutes, offering up to 20 extra minutes for escape. Test report available.
Here are the related certification and reports:
BSMI RPC for 60A Fire-Rated Door (F60A)
The Soundproof Door complies with Taiwan’s CNS11227-1 national standard for fire doors and is rated 60A for fire resistance. It is officially registered under the BSMI Registration of Product Certification (RPC) scheme (Certificate No. C1381062220081), and meets the relevant legal certification requirements. This certification verifies that both the door leaf and frame are certified for 60 minutes (1 hour) of fire resistance and heat insulation, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. This makes the Type 180 Soundproof Door a high-performance fire-rated door suitable for areas with stringent fire safety requirements.
Smoke Control Performance for Building Doors Test Report
The Soundproof Door has passed the Smoke Control Test for Building Doors, conducted by the Fire Safety Laboratory of the Department of Architecture, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU).
The test was performed in accordance with CNS 15038 – Test Method for Smoke Control Performance of Building Doors, which is designed to simulate how smoke spreads during the early stages of a fire. It uses specific pressure and temperature conditions to check whether the door and frame are well sealed and capable of effectively blocking smoke from leaking through the gaps.
Based on the test result, the Type 180 Professional Soundproof Door has been certified for 60-minute smoke resistance.
Below is a video simulates a fire scenario with dense smoke to demonstrate the door’s full smoke-blocking capability.
*Please note: Actual performance depends on building structure, door opening size, installation quality, and fire conditions.
Additional Features:
- Four Core Functions: Fire resistance, smoke sealing, soundproofing, and airtightness.
- Soundproofing Performance: Average STC 40, effectively reducing noise; some models offer even higher soundproof ratings.
- Structure: Steel door body with cast aluminum panels and EPDM rubber strips. Under normal conditions, this prevents odors, smells, and insects from entering, while during fire emergencies, it forms the first barrier to block smoke.
- Smoke-Blocking Performance: Tested 1-hour smoke barrier.
- Threshold Options: Granite threshold or concealed barrier-free threshold.
This door not only delivers excellent soundproofing for a quiet and comfortable home environment, but during an actual fire, its verified fire resistance and smoke-sealing performance help protect the entrance, ensuring family safety and minimizing property damage.
The BlueWhale Entrance Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door combines everyday comfort with critical safety protection, making it a worthwhile investment for home defense.
Conclusion｜What Truly Protects a Home in Critical Moments
The fire didn’t spread into the home, but thick smoke and tar filled the entire building. The homeowner in this case was spared—not by luck, but because they chose the right door early and had it properly installed.
In a fire, the ability to block smoke is often even more crucial than blocking flames. A fire- and smoke-proof door isn’t just for passing inspections; it’s the critical line of defense that decides whether your family stays safe and your life can go on.
The BlueWhale Entrance Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door, having passed strict fire and smoke blocking tests, not only keeps out intense heat and smoke during a fire but also brings quietness, airtightness, and improved home comfort every day.
If you want your front door or interior door to do more than just separate inside from outside—to truly protect your safety—feel free to learn more about our products and installation recommendations.