Passive and active fire protection are two distinct approaches to mitigating the impact of fires.

Passive protection is automatic and involves the use of building materials, design elements and structural features to contain fires and slow their progression.

Active fire protection, on the other hand, consists of systems that require human intervention or automated mechanisms that detect and suppress fires. These systems include fire alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers and emergency lighting.

A comprehensive fire safety strategy should incorporate both passive and active measures to provide layered protection against fire incidents.