Which of the following is a benefit of passive fire protection?

Passive fire protection involves using building materials and design features to contain fires and prevent their spread without requiring any active involvement during an incident. This includes elements like fire-rated walls, fire doors, and fire-resistant materials that are incorporated into the construction of a building.

The key benefit of passive fire protection is its ability to work continuously, providing a layer of defense that does not rely on any actions from occupants or firefighting personnel during a fire. It effectively serves to compartmentalize the fire, allowing more time for evacuation and minimizing damage to the building and its contents. This characteristic enhances overall safety and can significantly reduce the potential for fire-related injuries and fatalities.

In contrast, other options highlight aspects that do not align with the fundamental purpose of passive fire protection, such as requiring active involvement or maintenance, which are features associated with active fire protection systems (like sprinklers or alarms).