Protecting a property, business and staff should be the top priority for any business owner. In the event of a fire, having the correct fire protection measures in place can help control the spread of flames and smoke, while providing occupants valuable time to evacuate safely.

Fire and smoke curtains are an important part of a building’s fire protection strategy. They can be installed where conventional fire-resistant barriers may not be practical, ensuring safe evacuations are carried out in the event of a fire.

Both types of curtains are an important safety feature which contributes to making a real difference in the face of a serious building fire. However, it is important to understand that both curtains are designed to address different hazards. Fire curtains are designed to provide protection against heat and flames, whereas smoke curtains control and channel the movement of smoke. 

Understanding the difference between the two can help building owners choose the correct solution for their particular application.

What are fire curtains? 

A fire curtain is a fire-resistant barrier designed to help prevent the spread of fire and heat between areas of a building. 

A fire curtain can be stored in a metal top box and rolled down when smoke or fire is detected. The curtain will automatically roll down, creating a barrier across a designated opening or area. The barrier will help restrict the movement of the flames and the heat. 

The fire-resistant fabric used can provide protection for extended periods, allowing occupants time to evacuate and help limit fire spread. The fire resistant fabric can withstand high temperatures for extended periods, helping to provide occupants with valuable time to evacuate. 

What do fire curtains do?

The primary focus of a fire curtain is to contain fire and heat. In the event of a fire, flames can spread quickly, using a fire curtain can help restrict the progression of the fire throughout the building. 

This is particularly important in large and open-plan buildings where there are fewer physical divisions between spaces. 

What are smoke curtains?

Smoke curtains control and channel smoke to keep escape paths clear for those inside the building, meaning their main job is to guide it towards exhaust vents. These smoke curtains tend to drop above head height so people can still walk underneath them. These curtains handle hot smoke but are not built to withstand direct, prolonged flames.

At IC International, our range of fire and smoke curtains is made from specially designed fabrics, tested to BS 476 Part 20, and achieving a 2-hour integrity rating. The fabric is independently tested and certified.

What do smoke curtains do? 

Smoke curtains are designed to channel toxic smoke and hot gases during a fire by providing essential channeling to reduce the effects of a fire. This helps keep escape routes and stairwells clear for safe evacuation. 

Smoke is one of the major hazards during a fire. It can travel quickly through large open spaces, corridors, stairwells and other parts of the building, reducing visibility and potentially exposing occupants to toxic gasses. 

Unlike smoke curtains, the curtains tend to fall above head height, creating a smoke barrier, allowing occupants to use designated fire escape routes beneath it.

Where can fire and smoke curtains be used? 

Fire and smoke curtains can be used in open-plan areas, escape routes, or where fire doors and walls are impractical. 

Fire and smoke curtains can be used in a wide range of commercial and industrial environments, including:

• Warehouses
• Factories 
• Offices 
• Shopping centres 
• Hospitals 
• Large open plan commercial spaces

Why should you choose a fire or smoke curtain? 

One of the key advantages of fire and smoke curtains is that they can help maintain open, flexible spaces while providing protection against the spread of flames, heat and smoke during an emergency.

Not only do these curtains stay hidden when not in use, they prevent unappealing, permanent walls in shopping centres, offices and airports. These curtains also offer more time for occupants to evacuate, by slowing down the spread of flames or smoke, giving those within the building extra time to escape. 

How can IC International help 

Here at IC International, we supply UK-manufactured fire and smoke curtains that use fire-rated fabric which are available in a standard roll form, available to be cut and stitched into a specific size. 

Our curtains also include brass metal eyelets and in-built sleeves can be provided along the edge, as well as all curtains remaining asbestos free. All IC International fire and smoke curtains are independently tested and certified, through Warrington Fire research centre, to match the strict British standard specification. 

Our fire and smoke curtains not only keep flames and smoke concealed, they also help keep occupants safe when in need to evacuate. To find out more about fire and smoke curtains, contact us today.