What term describes a barrier that prevents horizontal fire spread between compartments?

• A. Fire partition
• B. Smoke curtain
• C. Fire barrier
• D. Fire wall

Answer: (C)

A fire barrier is the term used to describe a barrier that prevents fire from spreading horizontally from one compartment to another. It is a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly that subdivides a building into separate fire areas and protects openings with rated doors and assemblies. This level of protection and continuity—from floor to floor (and through necessary ceilings)—is what makes it effective at stopping horizontal spread between spaces.

A fire partition, while also separating spaces, typically has a lower rating and doesn’t always extend the full height or provide the same continuous boundary between compartments. A fire wall goes even further, usually forming a boundary that can separate distinct buildings or extend through the roof, with stricter requirements. A smoke curtain handles smoke control rather than serving as the primary barrier to fire spread between compartments.