Every October, communities across the country observe National Fire Preparedness Month, a time to focus on protecting lives and property from fire. This tradition traces back to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which burned for nearly two days, destroyed more than 17,000 buildings, and left 100,000 people homeless. Out of that tragedy came stronger building codes, new awareness, and a lasting reminder that the best way to fight fire is to prevent it from spreading in the first place.
More than 150 years later, that lesson still rings true. Technology has advanced, materials have improved, and methods have evolved, yet one principle remains: prevention saves lives. At National Firestopping Solutions, we believe fire safety goes beyond alarms and sprinklers. It begins with design, construction, and renovations of buildings to prevent the spread of fire in the unfortunate event that one does occur. This October, we honor the history that shaped modern fire safety and celebrate how firestopping not only protects buildings, but more importantly, people.
What Changed and What We Learned
The Great Chicago Fire reshaped the way we think about building safety. Here are the key changes that emerged:
The Two Sides of Fire Protection
Modern fire protection relies on two systems working together to save lives and property: active fire protection and passive fire protection. Both are essential, but they serve very different purposes.
Active Fire Protection includes detection, suppression, and extinguishers. These systems detect, alert, and suppress fires in real time. Active fire protection is an immediate response after a fire has already started.
Passive Fire Protection includes firestopping rated walls and floors, fire doors, and dampers. It is built directly into the structure; these systems slow or stop the spread of fire and smoke, buying time for first responders or facility personnel to provide patient evacuation and care.
Many people think of detection and suppression first, but it is passive fire protection that prevents a fire from moving from one area to another. This is where firestopping, if installed correctly, makes the difference.
What Firestopping Does and Why It Matters
Firestopping is an engineered solution that follows stringent testing standards. The practice of firestopping addresses penetrations and joints created in fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings created by pipes, conduits, cables or where two barriers come together. Without following these tested solutions, fire and smoke can travel unchecked through small gaps and quickly compromise an entire structure.
Following the “system approach," assemblies are built to resemble real-world construction followed by fire and hose stream testing. Manufactured products such as sealants, wraps, and collars are made of intumescent materials that are designed to expand when exposed to heat. This reaction closes the gaps created when openings are created or combustible products burn away. Limiting the amount of fire and smoke from one side of the assembly to the other, buying valuable time for evacuation and emergency response. This results in effective “compartmentation” which is the backbone to life safety.
Common Firestopping Mistakes
Even the best materials can fail if not installed or maintained correctly. Some common issues include:
Fire does not wait for the penetration to be filled, and each of these mistakes can weaken the fire barrier and compromise the entire safety system. Proper installation requires knowledge and education to match systems to applications. Inspections are mandated by code and close the gap on improperly coordinated firestop and installation. Destruction testing performed by AHJ's ensures that contractors follow these testing standards and requirements. Maintenance of these applications is a requirement of building owners throughout the life cycle of the building. The aging of materials, expansion of buildings and multiple contractors who work above the ceiling can contribute to applications being compromised. A proactive approach is much better than a reactive solution.
Codes, Standards, and Accountability
Firestopping is a required life safety measure under both the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Systems are tested to standards such as UL 1479 and UL 2079, confirming they can contain fire and smoke for specific timeframes. These tests replicate real-world conditions, ensuring systems perform as designed.
When buildings comply with these standards, they do more than pass inspection; they protect lives.
What We Do at National Firestopping Solutions
At National Firestopping Solutions, we take the lessons of the past and apply them to every project. Our mission is to ensure that every structure we work on can contain, control, and withstand the threat of fire.
We strengthen a building’s fire protection strategy by focusing on:
Each element works together to create a layered, reliable defense against fire.
Fire Prevention Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Fire safety is a team effort that depends on every role in the construction and maintenance process:
Fire prevention is not a one-time task; it is an ongoing commitment. Regular inspections, maintenance, and continuous education keep buildings safe year after year.
From History to Habit
From the Great Chicago Fire to today’s modern facilities, one truth remains constant: fire safety begins long before the first spark.
By embedding prevention into design, operations, and awareness, we build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. Stay informed. Schedule inspections. Know your evacuation routes. Keep fire prevention a year-round priority.
The Invisible Shield That Saves Lives
Behind every wall, above every ceiling, and around every penetration lies a layer of protection most people never see, but everyone depends on it.
That is firestopping.
That is passive fire protection.
That is what we do every day.
At National Firestopping Solutions, we are proud to turn the hard lessons of history into safer buildings for the future.
To learn more or schedule a rated barrier assessment, contact National Firestopping Solutions. Together, we can build a safer tomorrow, one sealed gap at a time.
Written by: Samantha Hebert, Jeffery Kovach, & Lauren Sawyer