Stairs that are protected from fire and smoke in the building they serve are called:

• A. Exit stairs
• B. Egress stairs
• C. Fire stairs
• D. Service stairs

Answer: (A)

Protected stairs that keep occupants safe from fire and smoke while moving to the exterior are called exit stairs. They are part of the building’s egress system and are enclosed with fire-resistance-rated construction and separation from other spaces so heat and smoke cannot quickly invade the path of travel. Doors along these stairs are typically fire-rated and equipped with self-closing hardware, and the stairs may be pressurized to further deter smoke. The term exit stairs specifically conveys that these stairs provide a protected route for egress to a public way, unlike service stairs which are for maintenance access, or the more general "fire stairs" that isn’t the formal NFPA designation. The concept centers on maintaining a reliable exit path during a fire.