What must fire walls extend from to ensure proper protection?

Fire walls are critical components in building design to prevent the spread of fire between different sections of a structure. For a fire wall to serve its purpose effectively, it must extend from the foundation of the building all the way through the roof. This complete vertical continuity is essential because it ensures that fire cannot pass over, under, or around the wall, thus providing the necessary barrier to contain fire and smoke within a designated area.

The foundation acts as the starting point for the fire wall, anchoring it securely to the ground. Extending through to the roof guarantees that the wall provides a complete division between fire areas, addressing the risk of fire traveling vertically through the building. This design consideration is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance with fire codes and standards, as the potential for vertical fire spread can significantly endanger the structural integrity and safety of occupants.

Other options, while they may suggest partial dimensions of fire walls, do not provide the same level of assurance of containment as extending from the foundation through the entire height of the structure. Without that full extent, the effectiveness of the fire wall would be compromised.