Does masonry provide good fire protection?

Masonry does indeed provide good fire protection due to its inherent properties. Materials commonly used in masonry, such as brick, concrete, and stone, are non-combustible and have a high thermal mass, which means they can absorb and retain heat without igniting. This characteristic allows masonry structures to withstand high temperatures and slow the spread of fire, giving occupants more time to evacuate and reducing overall damage to the property.

Furthermore, the density and structure of masonry walls make it difficult for flames to penetrate, adding an additional layer of fire resistance. While factors such as the quality of construction and the presence of fire stops can influence performance, the basic nature of masonry as a material offers significant fire protection advantages.

In contrast, the other options suggest conditions or limitations that do not accurately reflect the general fire-resistant qualities of masonry. The true answer recognizes masonry's overall effectiveness in contributing to fire safety in building construction.