Fire Compartmentaion is the division of the building into discrete fire zones. Fire Compartmentation is probably the most effective means of limiting fire damage.
Fire Compartmentation is designed to contain the fire to within the area of starting point of the fire. The compartmentation approach provides at least some protection for the rest of the building and its occupants even if other fire preventaion systems are installed and fail.
Fire Compartmentation delays the spread of fire.
In the event of a fire starting within a building with fire compartmentation installed, the amount of damage would depend upon the layout of the buildings fire compartmentation. Fire compartmentation should be an important part of any fire damage limitation strategy.
To be effective, fire compartmentation does need to be planned and implemented properly.
When you decide on a fire compartmentation strategy it is important that you know were all the voids that exist within the building.