A compartmentalized floor area of a building is subdivided with fire-resistive:

• A. Doors or curtains
• B. Carpet or drapes
• C. Partitions or walls
• D. Lumber or doorways

Answer: (C)

Creating compartments in a building relies on fire-resistive barriers that separate spaces and slow the spread of heat and flames. The barrier that defines each compartment is typically a fire-rated partition or wall. These assemblies are designed to resist fire for a specified period, helping to contain a blaze and protect occupants and escape routes. Curtains, carpets, and other textiles are generally combustible and do not provide reliable barriers, which is why they aren’t used to subdivide spaces in a fire-resistive way. Lumber or doorways aren’t barriers by themselves; they may be components of openings in a barrier, but without a proper fire-rated partition or wall (and appropriately rated doors), they don’t furnish the necessary resistance.