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A *reverse stack effect* can occur in air-conditioned high-rise buildings in hot weather. In this case, the temperature inside the building is colder than the outside air. This dense air tends to sink to the bottom of the building's shafts and may draw smoke from the fire with it. This will resul...

A *reverse stack effect* can occur in air-conditioned high-rise buildings in hot weather. In this case, the temperature inside the building is colder than the outside air. This dense air tends to sink to the bottom of the building's shafts and may draw smoke from the fire with it. This will result in smoke moving down to floors below the fire. This isn't usually a severe problem as the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures isn't that great. On very hot days, however, it can cause problems if the fire is on the upper floors.