What is a key characteristic of a building with a steel frame during a fire?

A key characteristic of a building with a steel frame during a fire is rapid deterioration at high temperatures. Steel, while strong and durable under normal conditions, begins to lose its structural integrity when exposed to high heat, typically around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. As temperatures rise, steel can lose up to 50% of its strength, leading to potential collapse even if the fire is not directly affecting the frame itself.

Understanding this property is crucial for firefighters and safety officials, as it highlights the need for timely actions to control and extinguish fires in structures with steel frames. Rapid deterioration increases the risk of structural failure, which can pose a significant danger to both occupants and responding firefighters. This characteristic underlines the importance of fire-proofing measures for steel structures, including insulation and protective coatings that can help mitigate heat effects during a fire.