What is a likely consequence of not having automatic sprinkler systems in high-rise buildings?

In high-rise buildings, the absence of automatic sprinkler systems significantly increases the likelihood of fire spread. Sprinkler systems are designed to detect and suppress fires before they can grow significantly, thus minimizing the potential for rapid and uncontrolled fire spread to other areas of the building. When these systems are not in place, a small fire can escalate quickly, compromising structural integrity, endangering occupants, and creating challenges for firefighting efforts.

As fires grow in intensity and spread to multiple floors or units, it becomes much more difficult to contain, leading to a greater danger for both residents and emergency responders. This increased risk necessitates more extensive firefighting resources and tactics, often resulting in additional costs, but the primary concern remains the enhanced risk of extensive fire spread in the absence of sprinklers.

While there might be some relevance to firefighting costs or access points, those aspects are secondary to the immediate danger presented by uncontrolled fire spread within a high-rise environment. Higher evacuation times could also be a concern, but the primary focus of the question regarding consequences directly ties back to the critical nature of fire suppression systems in preventing the rapid spread of flames.