What is the primary purpose of fire walls?

The primary purpose of fire walls is to limit the spread of fire. These walls are specifically designed to act as barriers during a fire event, preventing flames and heat from transferring from one area to another. Fire walls are constructed with materials that can resist high temperatures and are built to a certain height and thickness to provide a high level of fire resistance. This capability is vital for protecting building occupants, facilitating safer evacuation, and minimizing property damage.

In scenarios involving multiple occupancies or different fire compartments within a structure, fire walls are essential components of a building's fire protection strategy. They create separations that can help contain a fire, allowing for a more manageable response and ensuring that fire departments have safer working conditions. This architectural feature plays a crucial role in maintaining life safety and protecting property, particularly in large commercial or industrial buildings.