What installation feature protects against fire in buildings?

A fire-wall is a critical installation feature designed to enhance fire safety within buildings. It is a specially engineered wall that is constructed to be fire-resistant, providing a barrier that prevents the spread of fire from one area of a building to another. Fire-walls are typically constructed with materials that can withstand high temperatures and prevent flames from breaching through for a specified duration of time, which is essential for protecting both the occupants and the structure of the building.

In multifamily dwellings or commercial buildings, the use of fire-walls is mandated by building codes to ensure that different sections of the building are safeguarded against potential fire hazards. These walls can also separate buildings in close proximity to each other, further reducing the risk of fire spreading across structures.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not serve the specific function of fire protection in the same way that a fire-wall does. Insulation is primarily for thermal efficiency, drywall can contribute to fire resistance depending on its type but is not a primary fire-protective barrier, and ventilation is aimed at regulating airflow and reducing moisture, not fire containment.