What is the purpose of fire stops in a building?

The purpose of fire stops in a building is to prevent the spread of fire. Fire stops are critical components of fire protection systems, designed to slow or stop the passage of fire and smoke through openings in walls, floors, and ceilings. By compartmentalizing parts of a building, fire stops limit the area affected by a fire, allowing occupants more time to evacuate and firefighters more time to respond.

They are often installed within walls, around pipes, and at other locations where fire could travel through structural elements. This is essential not only for protecting property but also for ensuring the safety of building occupants.

In contrast, while enhanced interior design, increased living space, or better insulation might be considerations in buildings, they are not the primary functions of fire stops. The focus of fire safety in terms of construction is to minimize the potential damage and hazards associated with fire spreading throughout a structure.