What fire protection method is primarily used to limit the spread of flames and smoke?

Compartmentation is a crucial fire protection strategy that involves dividing a building into separate sections or compartments, which helps contain fire and smoke within designated areas. This method limits the movement of flames and smoke beyond the compartment where the fire originates, effectively slowing down or preventing the spread of the fire to other areas. By using barriers such as walls, doors, and floors to create these compartments, the overall safety of the building is enhanced, allowing more time for occupants to evacuate and for emergency services to respond.

While evacuation is indeed an important aspect of fire safety, it does not actively prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Alarm systems play a critical role in alerting occupants and emergency responders but do not directly impede the fire's progress. Sprinkler systems are effective in suppressing flames, but compartmentation specifically targets the limitation of fire and smoke spread, making it a foundational element of fire protection strategies.