Active fire protection

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Active fire protection (AFP) is an integral part of fire protection. AFP is characterised by items and/or systems, which require a certain amount of motion and response in order to work, contrary to passive fire protection.

1 AFP falls into two categories
- 1.1 1. Fire suppression
- 1.2 2. Fire detection
2 Construction and maintenance
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] AFP falls into two categories

[edit] 1. Fire suppression

Fire can be controlled or extinguished, either manually or automatically. Manual includes the use of a fire extinguisher or a Standpipe system. Automatic means can include a fire sprinkler system, a gaseous clean agent, or fire fighting foam system.

[edit] 2. Fire detection

The fire is detected either by locating the smoke, flame or heat, and an alarm is sounded to enable emergency evacuation as well as to dispatch the local fire department. An introduction to fire detection and suppression can be found here.

[edit] Construction and maintenance

All AFP systems are required to be installed and maintained in accordance with strict guidelines in order to maintain compliance with the local building code and the fire code. An example treatise on code compliance in Miami Dade County can be seen here. Code authorities can encourage compliance through open communications, such as an invitation for code questions or an invitation to participate or an explanation of the code development process

AFP works alongside modern architectural designs and construction materials and fire safety education to prevent, retard, and suppress structural fires.