Which of the following is considered a passive fire protection method?

The selection of fire barriers and walls as a passive fire protection method is correct because passive fire protection involves the use of building materials and structural elements to contain fires and prevent their spread. Fire barriers and walls are specifically designed to restrict the movement of fire, smoke, and heat within a structure, thereby providing a critical line of defense during a fire incident.

These barriers are often constructed from non-combustible materials that can withstand high temperatures without failing. This allows them to protect vital areas of a building, maintain safe egress routes, and significantly increase the time available for evacuation and firefighting measures.

In contrast, the other options—fire department training, regular fire drills, and firefighter equipment checks—are all active fire protection measures. These methods focus on preparing personnel to respond effectively to a fire, enhancing their skills through training and drills, and ensuring that equipment is operational for use during a fire emergency. While essential for overall fire safety strategies, these actions do not involve structural components that contain or slow the spread of fire, distinguishing them from passive fire protection methods.