Fireproofing Fundamentals NPRA Paper No.: RMC-09-22

Fireproof, as defined in Webster’s New World Dictionary is “adj. virtually impossible to set fire to or destroy by fire; very hard to burn.” Fire prevention can trace its roots back to Roman times when Emperor Nero designated portions of Rome had to be re-built following a new “code” due to a massive fire. Nero mandated new construction be of non-combustible building products and that there be increases in separation between newly built structures to delay or halt the spread of fire should it happen again. Fire protection has since evolved into a branch discipline of engineering where it can be described as the application of science and engineering principles to protect people and their environments from the destructive effects of fire and smoke.

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