What Are Fire Curtains?

Active fire curtains are fire-resistant barriers that automatically deploy to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building. They provide separation of atriums, lobbies, and open-plan areas to prevent rapid fire spread. These fire curtains do not require human intervention or external power sources to operate. They remain hidden within the structure until triggered by heat or smoke, at which point they descend to create a protective barrier.

Passive fire curtains is a compartmentation solution which can be used in wide areas to prevent the spread of fire, heat and smoke through the floors and ceilings, it can be an appropriate solution, for example, when a large area needs fire stopping, such as a warehouse ceiling. These fire curtains do not require human intervention or external power sources to operate, it does not deploy like active curtains, but once it's installed, it stays in place.

Types of Fire Curtains

Vertical Fire Curtains:

• Deployed from the ceiling downwards.
• Commonly used in open-plan areas, lobbies, and atriums.
• Ideal for protecting stairwells, elevator shafts, and entrances.

Horizontal Fire Curtains:

• Deployed across horizontal openings, such as between floors.
• Suitable for buildings with multiple stories, ensuring fire does not spread vertically.
• Often used in places like shopping malls and airports.

Smoke Curtains:

• Specifically designed to contain and channel smoke away from escape routes.
• Deployed similarly to fire curtains but are optimised for smoke rather than fire containment.

Benefits of Passive Fire Curtains

• Space-Saving: Unlike fire doors or other physical barriers, fire curtains do not occupy valuable space when not in use, making them ideal for modern architectural designs.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Concealed installation ensures that fire curtains do not disrupt the aesthetic appeal of a building’s interior.
• Flexibility in Design: Fire curtains can be tailored to fit a wide range of architectural openings, from large atriums to small corridors.
• Enhanced Safety: By compartmentalising areas, fire curtains help prevent the rapid spread of fire and smoke, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely.
• Regulatory Compliance: Fire curtains that comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 8524 standards ensure that buildings meet stringent fire safety regulations and provide peace of mind to building owners and occupants.

Installation Considerations

• The installation of passive fire curtains should be considered early in the design phase of a building project. This allows for proper integration with the building’s structure and fire safety systems.
• Fire curtains should be integrated with other fire protection systems, such as alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors, to ensure coordinated activation.
• Depending on the building’s design, custom fire curtain solutions may be necessary. This might include specialised materials or bespoke sizing.

BS 8524 Compliance:

• BS 8524 is the British Standard for fire curtains, ensuring they meet strict safety and performance criteria.
• Certification under BS 8524 confirms that fire curtains have been rigorously tested for fire resistance, durability, and reliability, making them a dependable part of a building's fire safety strategy.

Contact us

At Aleron Fire Protection, we offer expert consultation, installation, and maintenance services for fire curtains, ensuring your building is protected and compliant with the latest standards.

For more information or to discuss your specific fire protection needs, contact us today. Our team of experts is here to help you safeguard your property and occupants with the most advanced fire protection solutions available.