Safety is an essential part of every stage and theatre production. Installing fire curtains ensures your production is prepared to mitigate danger and injury in the event of a fire.
#1: Fire Containment
Fire curtains are made of metal or fiberglass and released from an above-stage compartment manually or automatically. They act as a barrier to prevent fire from spreading and damaging the auditorium and other parts of a theatre. Fire safety curtains for theatres are flame retardant or resistant and can withstand high temperatures.
#2: Performer and Audience Safety
Fire curtains control flames, smoke and heat to protect audience members and performers. Rapid deployment provides people with time to evacuate safely during a fire, reducing the risk of smoke inhalation, injuries and potential fatalities. Fire safety curtains can be secured behind the proscenium and over stage wings.
#3: Regulation Compliance
Compliance varies by location, building codes and safety standards, so it’s important to consult your fire marshal to determine what specifications your fire curtains must meet.
Safety standards for fire curtains include:
- Material type
- Deployment time
- Activation method
- Consistent testing and maintenance
- Fire alarm integration
- Emergency lighting
- Operation training
- Record keeping
#4: Property Protection
Installing fire curtains helps protect your property and assets in the theatre. Stopping fire from spreading preserves sets, equipment and the surrounding venue from fire and smoke damage. Keeping a fire in a specific area reduces the chance of structural damage, which could result in costly repairs, construction and inspections.
#5: Emergency Response Enhancement
Fire safety curtains deploy rapidly, preventing fire from spreading and reducing the risk of immediate danger. That allows people to remain calm and evacuate more efficiently. Containment allows emergency response crews to concentrate their efforts on a specific area without having to worry about stopping an uncontrolled blaze.
Types of Fire Safety Curtains
Straight lift fire curtains: This type of fire curtain is a sheet of material suspended above a stage and serves. Straight lift fire curtains are fitted with a steel beam at the top and bottom. The top beam is attached to rigging cables and the bottom beam weighs the curtain down upon release to keep it taut.
Brail lift fire curtains: These fire curtains are used when the space above the proscenium is smaller than the curtain itself. Brail lift fire safety curtains are stored in accordion-style folds to reduce space consumption. Rigging cables connect to the bottom batten to compress the curtain in small vertical panels.
Framed lift fire curtains: This system is beneficial if your theatre has a larger proscenium. Framed lift curtains functions like straight lift curtains but are fastened to a frame built to fit the height and width of your stage.
Manual vs. Motorized Fire Safety Curtains
Theatre fire safety curtains are available in manual and motorized versions. Some activate with an alarm or detector during a fire, while other styles drop with a switch.
Manual Fire Curtain Systems
Fire curtains are balanced with counterweights to hold them in place until they’re needed. Manual fire curtains must be heavy enough to overcome the counterweights when in use. These fire curtains aren’t integrated into a theatre’s fire detection system, so deployment speed depends on an operator’s strength and training. They’re easy to maintain and don’t have electronic components.
Motorized Fire Curtain Systems
A motorized fire curtain is carried by winches, eliminating the need for counterweights. An electric motor powers the release mechanism, enhancing deployment speed and efficiency. Motorized fire safety curtains can be connected to building safety systems so they automatically drop if an alarm or detector goes off. They’re easy to operate and don’t require manual labor.
Fire Safety Curtains from Tiffin Scenic Studios
Fire curtains are a crucial safety element that should be present in every theatre. Tiffin Scenic Studios has an extensive catalog of straight lift, brail lift and framed lift fire curtains. We also offer fire drape hoists and equipment to create a comprehensive safety system. Call 800-445-1546 or contact us online to learn more about our products and services.
