section_path: Passive fire protection (PFP)
section_name: Passive fire protection (PFP)
paragraph_text: Passive fire protection (PFP)
  
  Masonry walls have an endothermic effect of its hydrates, as in chemically bound water, unbound moisture from the concrete block, and the poured concrete if the hollow cores inside the blocks are filled. Masonry can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °F (538 °C) and it can withstand direct exposure to fire for up to 4 hours. In addition to that, concrete masonry keeps fires contained to their room of origin 93% of the time. For those reasons, concrete and masonry units hold the highest flame spread index classification, Class A.
  
  Fire cuts can be used to increase safety and reduce fire damage to masonry buildings.