Exploring Compliance and Innovation in Wide-Span Opening Protectives at the 2025 Fire Safety Symposium

In fire safety, staying informed and adapting to regulations is crucial. The 2025 Fire Safety Symposium at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth highlighted this theme. Over five days, fire service professionals from Georgia gathered to enhance knowledge and network. A key seminar by Maxson Associates and McKEON focused on wide-span opening protectives and building code compliance.

During the symposium, attendees engaged in various tracks designed for their interests, such as investigations, inspections, and educational courses. This structured programming not only enhances understanding but also fosters discussions about best practices in their specialties.

Doug Zachary from McKEON presenting to fire and code officials.

One of the highlight sessions was a 3½ hour seminar led by Jordan Pierce from Maxson Associates and Doug Zachary from McKEON. This seminar addressed the critical topic of wide-span opening protectives, which is vital for architects, contractors, and facility managers when overcoming design challenges while meeting strict building codes.

Jordan Pierce kicked off the seminar with an informative 1½-hour presentation on various deployable fabric wide-span opening protectives. He explained their ratings and importance in fire and life safety. For example, he discussed how high-performance fabric can meet fire resistance ratings that comply with codes like NFPA 701, which governs the flammability of textiles.

Following this, Doug Zachary led the remaining two hours, focusing on code requirements and acceptance criteria crucial for designing compliant vertical open spaces. He delved deep into the International Building Code and specific local amendments in Georgia. For instance, he highlighted that 50% of non-compliant designs in previous audits were due to misunderstandings about the requirements set forth in NFPA 101.

Attendees engaged in the seminar discussing design compliance

The seminar, with over 125 eager participants, featured dynamic sessions that encouraged questions and discussions beyond the planned agenda. Key topics included fire door labeling, inspection criteria, and testing procedures. Attendees shared personal experiences, highlighting real-world applications and challenges. This engagement demonstrated the symposium's value in fostering collective knowledge essential for advancing fire safety.

Moreover, the partnership between Maxson Associates and McKEON demonstrated how industry leaders can collaborate on critical challenges in fire protection. Their combined expertise provided a complete understanding of how wide-span opening protectives can integrate seamlessly into architectural designs while complying with regulations.

As discussions progressed, many professionals expressed eagerness to adopt innovative design solutions that also align with fire safety codes. Feedback indicated a robust interest in exploring new strategies and alternatives to enhance compliance.

Jordan Pierce from Maxson Associates presenting to fire and code officials.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the built environment, keeping abreast of the latest codes and technologies is crucial. Events such as the Fire Safety Symposium offer valuable insights and encourage collaboration within the fire protection community. As challenges and innovations arise, it is essential for professionals in the industry to remain informed and adaptable to effectively address emerging needs and enhance safety standards.

The 2025 Fire Safety Symposium was a valuable experience for professionals to gather, share insights, and discuss compliance concerning wide-span opening protectives. The collaboration between Maxson Associates and McKEON illustrates the importance of unity in the industry and highlights the necessity of ongoing education in the ever-changing world of fire safety.

If you missed the seminar, consider checking out insights from McKEON's blog (https://www.mckeondoor.com/uniting-experts-at-the-2025-fire-safety-symposium/). We are also here to help you with your wide-span opening protective needs and to address your design challenges in line with building codes. The path toward improved fire safety and compliance is continuous, and together, we can face these challenges with assurance.