What feature is necessary for fire partitions in Group I-1 occupancies?

Fire partitions in Group I-1 occupancies, which include facilities such as residential care, assisted living, and correctional facilities, are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of the building. The requirement for fire resistance is crucial because it ensures that these partitions can withstand fire exposure for a specified period, thus providing critical protection and safety for occupants.

The integrity of a fire partition is vital in limiting the movement of smoke and flames, which can otherwise pose significant risks to life safety and property. Fire resistance ratings are established through standardized testing and vary based on occupancy type and local codes, emphasizing their importance in constructing safe environments within Group I-1 buildings.

In contrast, while sound insulation, visual barriers, and draft control might serve specific functions in a building, they do not fulfill the primary life safety objective that fire resistance accomplishes in the context of fire partitions. Thus, fire resistance stands out as the essential feature for these partitions in ensuring occupant safety and compliance with building codes.