Which statement best describes a passive fire protection strategy?

• A. Relies on active systems like sprinklers
• B. Uses building materials and design features to resist fire
• C. Requires constant human monitoring
• D. Is only about emergency egress

Answer: (B)

Passive fire protection relies on building features that resist fire without needing active action. It uses fire-resistant materials, rated assemblies, and deliberate design such as compartmentalization, fire-rated walls and floors, and fire-stopping to slow heat and flame spread and to keep structures and egress paths stable during a fire. This approach works even if alarms don’t trigger or power is out, because the protection is built into the construction itself. That’s why describing it as building materials and design features to resist fire is the best fit. Active systems like sprinklers are proactive and rely on activation, while constant monitoring or emergency egress alone don’t define passive protection.