Which term describes dividing a building into separate compartments to prevent the spread of fire?

• A. Compartmentation
• B. Barrier
• C. Fire Department
• D. Alerting

Answer: (A)

Dividing a building into compartments with fire-rated barriers to contain the fire is compartmentation. This approach encloses spaces with fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings so heat, flames, and smoke stay confined to a limited area, slowing spread, protecting occupants, and giving firefighters a safer, more manageable environment to work in. A barrier is a single fire-resistant element within that system, not the overall strategy itself. The fire department and alerting are unrelated to the division of space for fire control.