What purpose do fire doors and shutters primarily serve?

Fire doors and shutters are primarily designed to control the spread of smoke and flames during a fire event. Their construction involves materials that can withstand high temperatures and prevent the passage of smoke, which is a critical element that contributes to fire hazards. Smoke inhalation is often more dangerous than the fire itself, leading to significant harm and fatalities; therefore, the primary function of these barriers is to create a smoke compartment that can help contain and limit the hazardous effects of both smoke and flames.

While they may have some incidental effects, such as potentially helping to enhance the structural integrity of a building or reducing the movement of sound, the essential purpose remains focused on fire safety. Fire doors and shutters are integrated into fire protection systems to compartmentalize sections of a building, thus maintaining a safe environment for occupants to evacuate safely and reducing potential damage during an emergency.