This paper discusses the basic elements of an integrated Fire Management System (FMS) for buildings. The system is designed in the context of an expert system that incorporates detection and sensing modules, a softwarebased decision-making module, and an actuationl communication module. The physical and behavioral aspects of a fire occurrence are incorporated in a system model. The modelcan be simulated in real time in an actual fire, or used as a training tool for architects, engineers, building managers, and fire fighters. Detected data from a fire occurrence, such as flame height or smoke generation, are used in conjunction with a know~edge library and an inference engine, not only to activate the mechanical systems of the building, but to communicate information regarding optimum escape paths to both the occupants and fire fighters. The paper also discusses the need for advances in fire safety codes, especially the need for enhancement of way finding devices. Finaly, preliminary results of a LISP-based program that determines escape path based on occupancy, fire and smoke conditions, and building geometry are presented.