As many of you may already know, there's a lot of buzz around various fire suppression methods and gadgets in social media. However, much like in a school play, sometimes the quiet ones turn out to be the smartest and ends up as the hero. Somewhat similarly, Passive Fire Protection (PFP) does not often get the spotlight, and especially in social media. Some might consider it as less exciting or even "boring". But here is the reality: when a fire breaks out, PFP is already there, and when done right, it will limit the spread of flames and smoke, giving people the time they need to escape. It’s the kind of technology that doesn’t shout for attention, yet, despite its quieter profile, PFP plays a critical role.

In this week’s issue of Burning Matters, we explore the complexities of PFP, examining how it tackles challenging fire safety issues and can make a substantial difference in building safety.

Once upon a time, fire safety was all about reacting to danger—putting out fires once they’d already started. But now, our approach has evolved, and PFP is a key player in this shift. And, it’s not just about property protection; PFP also plays a significant role in terms of protecting lives. By containing fires and keeping evacuation routes clear, PFP provides crucial time for people to get to safety.

Take the Grenfell Tower fire, for instance. This tragic event highlighted the critical importance of having strong PFP measures in place. The aftermath and resulting legislative reforms brought fire safety to the forefront of industry concerns, showing that PFP is more than a background feature—it’s a lifesaving necessity.

So, while PFP might not get the attention that active fire protection systems like sprinklers, alarms or ‘those whose name shall not be mentioned’ do, its role in preventing fire spread and reducing damage can make all the difference. The sooner we carefully integrate it into our designs, the safer our buildings and the people in them will be.

At its core, PFP is about smart design—dividing a building into smaller fire-resistant zones. This approach, known as compartmentation, helps contain fires, slowing their spread and keeping escape routes safe. The goal? To give people more time to evacuate and reduce the overall damage caused by the fire.

PFP uses fire-resistant materials for walls, floors, and ceilings, along with specialized products to seal any openings or gaps. By keeping fire, smoke, and toxic fumes from spreading, PFP buys crucial time for emergency teams to respond and for occupants to escape safely.

What makes PFP especially powerful is that it’s always “on.” It does not rely on human intervention or technology to activate—it simply works as part of the building’s structure. It’s reliable, low-maintenance, and a fundamental element of any comprehensive fire safety strategy. Some key benefits are shown in Figure 2.

In today’s world, sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. And while PFP is all about safety, it’s also starting to play a key role in building ‘greener’, more eco-friendly structures.

One example is the development of bio-based intumescent coatings, which use renewable resources like soy, that works, according to some studies, just as well as its petroleum-based counterparts, suggesting that going ‘green’ doesn’t mean compromising on safety [1]. Another example is that researchers in the FRISSBE department at ZAG have obtained results for bio-based coatings made from renewable resources, which were presented at the InnoRenew CoE Conference in 2024.

The shift towards recycled materials in firestopping products is another exciting development. For instance, firestopping solutions using recycled mineral wool are reducing environmental impact while still providing effective fire resistance.

But PFP isn’t just about the materials—it also contributes to the overall resilience of a building. By minimizing fire damage, PFP helps reduce the need for extensive repairs and replacements, which in turn lowers the carbon footprint of a building over its lifetime.

As construction moves toward more sustainable practices, PFP is proving that safety and sustainability can go hand in hand.

While saving lives is the top priority, PFP also offers clear economic advantages. Incorporating PFP into a building’s design can save significant costs over time, far outweighing the initial investment.

Upfront investment vs. long-term savings: Although PFP systems might slightly increase construction costs, they pay off in the long run by reducing fire damage, repair costs, and even insurance premiums. Buildings with well-planned PFP systems are seen as lower risk, which can lead to reduced insurance rates and fewer legal issues down the line. Additionally, one study revealed that while the effectiveness and cost savings can vary based on specific case study assumptions and scenarios, PFP generally aids in saving money by mitigating potential fire-related losses [2].

Business continuity: Fires can cause major disruptions, halting operations and affecting supply chains [3]. PFP minimizes damage, helping businesses get back on their feet faster. A building designed with effective fire protection in mind is more likely to survive a fire with minimal downtime, thus preserving both property and operations.

In short, PFP isn’t just a safety measure—if done right, it’s a smart financial investment that can save money and protect assets over the long term.

To truly understand the impact of PFP, it helps to see it in action. Here are two iconic buildings that have leveraged PFP to enhance both safety and design:

The Shard, London

As Western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard integrates several innovative PFP solutions. Its steel framework is protected by a thin-film intumescent coating, which not only provides fire resistance for up to 120 minutes for the elements it is applied to, but also allows for the sleek, exposed steel aesthetic that defines the building’s architectural vision. This is a perfect example of how PFP can offer safety without compromising design.                

One World Trade Center, New York

This iconic structure was built with advanced fire protection systems in mind. One World Trade Center uses a comprehensive compartmentation strategy, including firestop systems with mineral wool insulation and smoke-impermeable sealants. These systems effectively seal off critical areas, ensuring that fires are contained, and that the building’s structure remains safe during an emergency.

These real-world examples demonstrate how PFP not only safeguards buildings but also enables innovative architectural design, proving that fire safety can work hand in hand with aesthetics.

While PFP is a powerful tool in fire safety, it’s not without its challenges. Some argue that it can create a false sense of security or be ineffective if not properly maintained. Here are the main points of debate:

Improper installation: Even the best PFP systems can fail if not installed correctly. Poorly fitted fire doors, incorrect sealing of openings, or gaps in firestopping materials can severely undermine the effectiveness of PFP, allowing fire and smoke to spread more easily. Proper installation by trained professionals is critical to ensure the system works as intended.

Maintenance issues: While PFP systems generally require low maintenance, even this minimal upkeep is crucial to ensure effectiveness. Over time, fire doors can be left propped open, firestopping materials may be damaged during renovations, and dampers can fail. Without proper maintenance, even well-installed PFP systems can lose their protective value.

Cost concerns: Implementing PFP can increase upfront construction costs, especially in smaller buildings where fire risk might seem lower. For some, these costs may appear to outweigh the perceived benefits. However, this investment often pays off in the long term, reducing fire-related damages and insurance premiums.

False sense of security: Relying too heavily on PFP can lead to complacency. It’s crucial to remember that PFP is just one part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. Active fire protection measures, such as sprinklers and alarms, must also be in place to provide full protection.

Despite these challenges, when properly installed and maintained as well as paired with other fire safety systems, PFP remains a vital component of a building’s defense against fire.

PFP is more than just an added layer of safety—it's a critical component in protecting lives and preserving property. While it may not get the same attention as active fire systems, when implemented properly, PFP can significantly enhance a building’s resilience to fire.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For PFP to be effective, it requires thoughtful planning, regular maintenance, and most often be combined with other fire safety measures like alarms and sprinklers. It’s about finding the right balance—ensuring that all parts of a fire protection strategy work together seamlessly to provide the highest level of safety.

As we continue to innovate and improve materials and technologies, the role of PFP in both fire safety and sustainability will only grow. By staying informed and proactive, we can ensure that PFP remains a cornerstone of modern building safety.

We want to hear from you! PFP is a crucial, evolving part of building safety, and your insights can help shape the conversation. Have thoughts on the role of PFP in your projects? Or perhaps ideas on how to balance safety and sustainability in modern construction?

Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts through our Burning Matters feedback form.

Let’s work together to make our buildings safer, smarter, and more resilient. We look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks for tuning in,

Liliana and Grunde

[1]          T. Ma, L. Li, Z. Liu, J. Zhang, C. Guo, and Q. Wang, ‘A facile strategy to construct vegetable oil-based, fire-retardant, transparent and mussel adhesive intumescent coating for wood substrates’, Ind Crops Prod, vol. 154, Oct. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112628.

[2]          T. Gernay, S. Ni, D. Unobe, A. Lucherini, R. Chaudhary, and R. Van Coile, ‘Cost–Benefit Analysis of Fire Protection in Buildings: Application of a Present Net Value Approach’, Fire Technol, vol. 59, no. 4, pp. 2023–2053, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.1007/s10694-023-01419-2.

[3]          K. Katsaliaki, P. Galetsi, and S. Kumar, ‘Supply chain disruptions and resilience: a major review and future research agenda’, Ann Oper Res, vol. 319, no. 1, pp. 965–1002, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.1007/s10479-020-03912-1.