Why are fire doors so important?

Fire doors play a vital role in fire safety by containing fire and smoke within the space where it originates. By restricting the spread of flames and toxic fumes, they help to protect other areas of the building. As a key element of a building's passive fire protection system, they are designed to slow the progression of fire, reducing risk to both people and property.

How fire doors help to protect lives and property

Fire doors help to minimise the dangers associated with fire by containing it within the affected room or compartment. This prevents it from spreading rapidly and endangering more areas of the building. Keeping corridors and escape routes free from fire and smoke ensures that people inside have more time to leave safely and makes access easier for firefighters. By stopping the fire from advancing, fire doors also help to protect the rest of the building, its contents, and nearby properties.

How fire doors function

Fire doors are designed to resist fire for a specific amount of time, usually either 30 (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60), depending on their fire rating. They are constructed using fire-resistant materials and include intumescent strips along the edges of the door or its frame. When exposed to heat, these strips expand, sealing the gap between the door and the frame to prevent fire and smoke from escaping.

For a fire door to be effective, it must remain closed if a fire breaks out. To ensure this, it should always be fitted with an automatic door closer and clearly marked with appropriate signage.