Final answer:
Building construction has evolved from using natural materials like wood and stone to more fire-resistant ones such as steel. The NFPA provides guidelines for building fire safety, and modern building codes include various safety requirements to protect inhabitants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The history of building construction has shown a development from early materials such as wood, brick and stone, towards more fire-resistant materials like steel in the effort to improve fire resistance and safety. Buildings of different periods used whatever was the most available and resilient materials of their time, with stone or brick constructions still standing today, minus their original roofing systems. Wood, while common, was susceptible to rot and fire over time, necessitating new materials and methods to enhance longevity and safety.
In the 20th century, 'fireproof' buildings such as the Brown Building were constructed using steel and iron, although they still had significant safety flaws, such as poor ventilation and inadequate fire escape routes. These flaws became apparent in tragic events such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which led to increased focus on safety features like proper ventilation, smoke detectors, and fire escapes in building codes. The NFPA, or National Fire Protection Agency, now provides guidelines for fire safety measures in construction, as seen in NFPA 220, which categorizes buildings based on their fire resistance.