
Fire safety is no longer just a regulatory checkbox, it is a fundamental design priority for public infrastructure. Hospitals, schools, and transport hubs face complex evacuation challenges, making non-combustible façades essential. This article explores how global standards like NFPA 285, ASTM E84 Class A, and Euroclass A2 are shaping material choices, why fibre cement cladding is favoured over combustible alternatives, and what architects and contractors need to know to deliver safe, compliant, and resilient buildings.