Damage to building structural elements, elevators, stairs, and fire protection systems caused by the shaking from a major earthquake can play a critical role in the spread of fire and hamper the ability of occupants to evacuate. These are among the conclusions reached in a groundbreaking study of post-earthquake building fire performance conducted in 2012.
http://www.rdmag.com/news/2013/03/research-shows-how-earthquakes-can-impact-fire-safety-buildings
