What phenomenon describes the adoption or amendment of fire codes in response to fire disasters?

The phenomenon that describes the adoption or amendment of fire codes in response to fire disasters is known as the catastrophic theory of reform. This concept suggests that significant changes in legislation or regulations, such as fire codes, often occur in the wake of major incidents, like devastating fires. It posits that a dramatic event can catalyze public demand for improved safety measures and regulations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.

This theory highlights the reactive nature of policy and regulatory changes, wherein the severity of a catastrophic event prompts lawmakers and regulatory bodies to take immediate action to enhance safety protocols. It underscores the historical pattern where tragedies lead to a reassessment of existing laws and codes, leading to stricter regulations and enforcement aimed at mitigating risks associated with fire hazards.

In contrast, the other options focus on different concepts: regulatory reform addresses changes in governance that can occur in various contexts, proactive prevention emphasizes strategies aimed at preventing incidents before they occur rather than reacting to them, and incident-driven legislation, while somewhat relevant, is a broader term that can encompass legislative responses to a variety of incidents, not solely focused on catastrophic events.