Stage and Theatre Fire Curtains

These curtains provide a safety barrier between the stage and audience in the event of a fire. They prevent smoke and flames from spreading to the rest of your auditorium by lowering automatically when a fire alarm or smoke detector activates. Fire curtains are required by the International Building Code and various state and local regulations and come in different levels of protection.

Stage and theatre fire curtains are made of fiberglass fabric that’s designed to withstand high temperatures without disintegrating. Some products also have intumescent coatings that provide further insulation to stop a blaze from spreading. Tiffin Scenic Studios offers black and tan fire-retardant stage curtains in straight lift, brail lift and framed lift styles.

FIRE CURTAINS

Straight Lift Fire Curtains

These fire drapes come with 2.5-inch galvanized steel Schedule 40 pipes that fit inside a pocket at the top and bottom of the lift. The top pipe attaches rigging cables while the bottom pipe keeps the fire drape taut. Side guides ride on tensioned wires.

Brail Lift Fire Curtains

We provide brail lifts for stage and theatre systems that don’t have a fly loft with space to store a straight lift fire drape. The fire curtain rigging cables attach to the bottom batten and lift the drape, compressing the fabric into smaller vertical panels.

Framed Lift Fire Curtains

These straight lift fire curtains are intended for stages with large openings and are supported by steel frames that stabilize them during deployment. The drapes are stored in the support frame above the stage and are raised and lowered with a motorized lift.

FIRE CURTAIN ACCESSORIES

Line Shaft Hoists

A line shaft hoist can manage large fire drapes up to 1,400 pounds. It’s held in place by a disk brake engaged by the fire line. We can customize the shaft length and number of drums based on your project requirements.

Manual and Motorized Vane Pumps

These systems help control the descent of stage and theatre fire curtains. Motorized vane pumps provide fluid power that moves heavy drapes in a controlled manner. Manual alternatives must be operated by hand and are effective for smaller venues or as a backup system.

Dashpot

A dashpot is attached to the stage floor and slows a drape’s descent to provide a soft landing. It contains fluid and a piston that moves inside a cylinder, producing resistance that provides controlled downward motion.

Release Systems

We offer various fire drape release systems, including automatic release systems, guaranteed power systems and fusible link pelican hook release systems. You can integrate those components into smoke, heat and fire detection equipment.

Lattice Tracks

The lattice track is attached to the front wall of the stage and supports the fire drape’s counterweight arbor. The reinforced bars provide stability when fire curtains are released.

Head Blocks

A head block carries the entire load attached to the batten and collects individual lift lines to turn them downward in their grooves toward the floor.

Heat Borders

This equipment protects drapery and scenery from the heat of theatrical lighting, which can damage fabric and create a fire hazard. Styles include horizontal, vertical and combination designs.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Installing fire curtains in your stage or theatre can provide you with peace of mind, especially when it comes to handling inspections and operations. Our fire suppression systems meet nationally recognized standards, including:

NFPA 80: Regulations for fire doors and opening protectives
ASTM E119: Fire testing methods for building and construction materials
UL10D: Fire curtain-specific assessments that verify flame retardancy

You can rely on the integrity of our products to protect your performers, stage, crew and facility. We also offer expert installation and inspection to ensure your fire curtains function properly.

Seamless Integration with Stage Rigging and Architecture

You don’t have to overhaul your current rigging system to integrate fire curtains and drapery. Tiffin Scenic Studios can provide counterweight arbors to balance the additional weight and install motorized rigging for automated deployment. We also offer a full installation package that includes custom engineering based on your unique venue, optimized layouts and code compliance. Whatever your setup demands, our team can accommodate your theatre’s structural design.

Fire Curtain FAQs

Are fire curtains mandatory in all theatres?

They’re required in school auditoriums, theatres and public performance spaces.

How does a fire curtain operate during an emergency?

The activation mechanism is tied into a building’s fire alarm system. A release signal is sent to the electromagnetic holders when a fire is detected, allowing the curtains to descend and provide a smoke- and flame-resistant barrier on the stage.

Can a fire curtain be customized to fit unique stage dimensions?

Yes.

How often should fire curtains be inspected or maintained?

You should have your fire curtains and suppression system inspected annually.

Do fire curtains require a dedicated operating mechanism?

No, they are designed to function even during a power failure.

Can fire curtains be integrated with existing stage rigging systems?