What is meant by "passive fire protection"?

Passive fire protection refers to the use of building materials and structural components to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and heat throughout a building. This form of protection does not rely on active systems like sprinklers or alarms but instead focuses on the design and construction aspects that inherently manage fire risks. For example, fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings are designed to withstand a certain level of fire exposure and delay the progress of fire, allowing for safe evacuation and reducing potential damage.

Using building materials to contain fire is a fundamental principle of fire safety in architectural design. It plays a crucial role in the overall fire safety strategy of a structure by providing barriers that protect occupants and property. In contrast, the other choices pertain to active measures or practices intended to respond to a fire event rather than preventing its spread through structural integrity.