What is the purpose of passive fire protection?

The purpose of passive fire protection is to contain or slow the spread of fire and smoke. This is achieved through the use of building materials and design features that inhibit fire movement and limit the overall heat development within a structure. For instance, fire walls, fire doors, and fire-resistant materials are key components of passive fire protection systems; they work to create barriers that separate different areas of a building, thereby providing critical time for occupants to evacuate and minimizing property damage.

Unlike active fire protection systems, which rely on mechanical or electrical systems like sprinklers and alarms to respond to a fire, passive fire protection is inherently built into the structure of the building itself. This means that once installed, these features continue to provide protection without requiring activation or maintenance. This function is vital for ensuring safety in residential and commercial buildings, as well as for meeting fire safety codes and regulations.