India, Nov. 18 -- Across history, people have built monuments that reflect their culture, creativity and vision. From the pyramids of Giza and the cathedrals of Europe to the forts and temples of Asia, each monument is a thread that connects us to our history.

With passing years, these monuments have become fragile. In the process of preserving these monuments, fire has always posed the greatest danger. History has given us painful reminders of the devastation fire can cause.

When Notre Dame burned in Paris, people around the world watched the icon burn in disbelief. Fire incidents at Brazil's National Museum, Windsor Castle and historic temples in India are powerful reminders that fire can erase centuries of history in an instant. Each...