What can be classified as active fire protection?

Active fire protection refers to systems and measures that actively work to detect, control, or suppress fires. These systems require some form of action to be taken—either automatically or manually.

Fire alarm and sprinkler systems fit this definition perfectly. Fire alarms detect the presence of smoke or fire and alert occupants or emergency services, prompting a response. Sprinkler systems automatically activate to suppress a fire when it reaches a certain temperature, directly reducing the fire's intensity and preventing it from spreading. Both of these systems are integral in minimizing damage and protecting lives during a fire event.

By contrast, the other options, while important for fire safety, do not qualify as active protections. Fire-resistant structural materials and firewalls primarily serve as passive protection by slowing down or containing a fire without requiring action. Manual firefighting efforts, while they do involve action, are not considered a systematic form of fire protection like integrated alarm or sprinkler systems, which are designed to work automatically and continuously in the event of a fire. Thus, the classification of fire alarm and sprinkler systems as active fire protection is accurate and aligns with the principles outlined in NFPA 921.