What is one key reason for maintaining smoke compartments in buildings?

Maintaining smoke compartments in buildings is crucial because it plays a significant role in restricting the spread of smoke during a fire. Smoke can travel rapidly within a building, and by segregating areas into distinct smoke compartments, it's possible to slow down the movement of smoke, allowing for safer evacuation of occupants and more effective firefighting operations. The design of smoke compartments typically involves the use of fire-rated walls and barriers that limit the flow of smoke horizontally and vertically. This is particularly important in healthcare facilities and high-rise buildings where the smoke could pose a serious danger to life and impede rescue efforts. Therefore, the establishment of smoke compartments is fundamentally a life safety measure aimed at protecting occupants and minimizing smoke inhalation risks during emergencies.