Fire compartmentation involves dividing a building’s rooms, spaces, or storeys into fire-resistant compartments to slow the spread of fire. This is achieved by implementing and maintaining fire-resisting floors and walls. Openings or penetrations in these structures, such as doors, windows, ductwork, or service penetrations, must be installed and maintained to preserve the fire resistance of the wall or floor.

The importance of fire compartmentation lies in its ability to save lives by providing extra time for individuals to evacuate a building safely in the event of a fire. It also helps preserve and protect property by limiting the spread of fire, thus minimizing damage. Fire compartmentation is necessary in various scenarios, such as protecting escape routes during a fire, preventing the need for a full evacuation in large buildings, and facilitating the evacuation of patients in healthcare settings without transferring them across multiple storeys. Additionally, it can safeguard areas of high financial or strategic importance, such as IT suites or server rooms, in the event of a fire.