For fire areas of Group A-2 occupancies, a sprinkler system is necessary if multiple fire areas share which?

For fire areas of Group A-2 occupancies, a sprinkler system is necessary if multiple fire areas share exit access components. This requirement is grounded in the need for enhanced safety in larger public assembly spaces, where a concentration of people may be present. The shared exit access components increase the risk of smoke and heat spreading between different fire areas. By requiring a sprinkler system, the building can help mitigate fire hazards, ensuring that the access routes to exits remain safer for occupants, thereby allowing for a quicker and more efficient evacuation process if needed.

In this context, exit access components refer to the parts of a means of egress that lead to an exit, such as corridors, hallways, and other areas that occupants must traverse to reach an exit. The presence of these shared components necessitates the added layer of protection offered by a sprinkler system, thereby enhancing the overall fire safety strategy of the building.