Understanding fire walls

Fire walls are classified into four types: standard fire wall, fire wall, fire barrier and fire partition. Standard fire walls have no structural connection to the building frame and has a minimum 4-hr fire resistance rating. Fire walls are similar to standard types except for the presence of protected openings. The fire barrier subdivides the floor area and has a 2 to 3-hr fire resistance rating. It confines the initial flow of heat to the fire zone. Fire partitions are similar to the fire barrier but have only a 1 to 2-hr fire-resistance rating.
When properly applied, these last lines of defense significantly limit damage and downtime In Michigan, fire destroys about a third of an automobile insulation plant and causes $17 million in [...]