The report reviews:

• the previous studies on this topic carried out by PIARC and the recent developments since the release of the PIARC report on this subject in 1999;
• the lessons drawn from the past fires and holistic approach to fixed fire fighting systems (FFFS);
• consideration of FFFS in the general framework of tunnel safety and study of their interaction with ventilation,
• requirements related to FFFS.

In addition, the report contains many bibliographical references, a description of the various FFFS and their operating costs, and an update on their use in ten countries.