What materials are suitable for constructing fire barriers in a shelter?

The construction of fire barriers in a shelter is critical for ensuring the safety of the occupants and preventing the spread of fire. Non-combustible materials, such as gypsum board or fire-rated partitions, are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and limit flame spread. These materials help to contain fires within specified areas, giving occupants more time to evacuate and enhancing the overall fire safety of the shelter.

Gypsum board, for example, has properties that make it effective for fire-resistance applications; it helps to slow down the transfer of heat and can withstand fire for a designated period. Fire-rated partitions are similarly constructed to provide a reliable barrier against fire and smoke, adhering to safety codes and regulations that are essential for any shelter environment.

In contrast, materials such as wood and plastic can easily ignite and contribute to the fire's intensity, making them unsuitable for this crucial function. Using any materials available on-site could compromise the integrity and safety of fire barriers, as they may not meet the necessary fire-resistance standards. While metallic sheets can be fire-resistant, they do not provide the same level of fire barrier performance as specialized materials like gypsum board or fire-rated partitions. Thus, relying on materials that are specifically engineered for fire resistance is essential for effective fire barrier