What is the primary purpose of a fire stop?

What is the primary purpose of a fire stop?

• A. To seal air leaks
• B. To stop the spread of fire within a wall cavity
• C. To provide insulation
• D. To support the wall

Answer: (B)

Fire stops are placed in walls, floors, and around penetrations to seal gaps so flames, smoke, and hot gases cannot move through concealed spaces. Their main job is to maintain the fire-resistance of the wall or assembly, keeping fire contained within its compartment and slowing or stopping its spread. This protects the structure and gives occupants more time to escape or for firefighters to act. While fire stops may incidentally affect air leakage or be located near insulation, their primary purpose is to interrupt the fire’s travel through concealed spaces, not to seal air leaks, insulate, or bear structural loads.

Fire stops are placed in walls, floors, and around penetrations to seal gaps so flames, smoke, and hot gases cannot move through concealed spaces. Their main job is to maintain the fire-resistance of the wall or assembly, keeping fire contained within its compartment and slowing or stopping its spread. This protects the structure and gives occupants more time to escape or for firefighters to act. While fire stops may incidentally affect air leakage or be located near insulation, their primary purpose is to interrupt the fire’s travel through concealed spaces, not to seal air leaks, insulate, or bear structural loads.