Which item is typically addressed by a fire code?

The provision of safe egress for occupants is a critical aspect addressed by fire codes. Fire codes are established to ensure that in the event of a fire or other emergency, occupants can exit a building quickly and safely. This includes regulations regarding the number and size of exits, exit accessibility, and travel distances to exits. These measures are designed to minimize injuries and fatalities during emergencies by providing clear and accessible pathways for individuals to evacuate.

The other options, although they are also important considerations in building regulations and fire safety, focus on different elements related to fire safety and structural integrity. Allowable heights and areas, permitted building materials, and distances between firewalls are all factors that relate to how a building is constructed and how it can contain a fire, but they do not directly address the immediate safety and route of exit for individuals inside the structure during a crisis. Each aspect plays a role in overall fire safety, but the provision for safe egress is essential for protecting lives during an emergency evacuation.