In its simplest form a fire curtain is similar to a roller shutter, but it is much lighter in weight with fire resistant material which is wound around a roller and concealed with a top box, which is constructed in two parts allowing access to the system fabric roller for ease, for service and maintenance. The roller is constructed from steel tube which incorporates a 24Vdc motor which is connected to the systems control panel. The fabric curtain edges are retained inside guides either side of the opening and are fixed to the construction opening. The lower edge of the fabric curtain incorporates a bottom bar. This weighted bar enables the fabric curtain to unwind, upon receipt of a signal, to its ¬re operational position. The bottom bar helps to stabilise the fabric curtain and provides an interface against the underside of the headbox. The systems are fitted to the exact measurements within the opening areas that require the fire resistance protection. When the systems are activated, they descend to their fire operational position to withstand a fire for between one to four hours depending on its application type and designed usage. Some systems offer dual-function barriers, with the system that acts as both a fire-resisting barrier as well as offer an active smoke containment system. The intended use (when closed) is to resist the passage of fire from one zone to another, create a protective route of escape or act as compartmentalisation.