THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER FIRE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE HOME AND THE GARAGE

Home safety statistics are often more than just numbers; they tell stories and save lives. An estimated 6,600 fires happen in garages resulting in an average of 400 injuries and over 30 deaths per year. These fires predominantly occur between 4 to 9 PM, and alarmingly, nearly half of them enter homes by breaching living spaces or attics. Fuels, solvents, lithium ion batteries,  combustible products like paint and paper and gasoline-powered equipment including cars and lawn mowers are often the culprits. 
From my experience as a career firefighter and fire investigator, along with my extensive experience as a home inspector, emphasizing the importance of fire separation in garages is paramount.  Stopping fire spread completely may be unavoidable. The main focus here is to slow the spread of fire, giving residents enough time to evacuate. A standard fire separation usually involves installing 1/2” or thicker Type-X drywall that is properly mudded and taped. If a living space rests above the garage, the requirement increases to a 5/8” thick Type-X drywall. Concrete block walls are also effective in slowing down fire spread, provided they are intact and fully extend to the roof.
These fire separation methods serve a dual purpose. They both slow down fires and keep dangerous exhaust fumes, like carbon monoxide, from seeping into living areas. This is why sealing any openings in garage walls and living space ceilings is crucial. Fire-caulking, a high-temperature-rated sealant, is typically used to seal smaller gaps and openings. 
During home inspections it is common to find garage fire separation defects, even in newer homes. Materials like particle board, OSB or plywood for attic access covers in garages are commonly found and are combustible. These materials jeopardize the fire separation system and should be replaced by drywall.  
Pulldown ladders in garages are another common concern. Most of these have a combustible wooden cover and ladder that can compromise fire separation. Furthermore, simply placing a piece of drywall over these wooden covers is insufficient as the unsealed edges still leave room for fire and carbon monoxide to penetrate.  Even small gaps in fire separation can turn a small fire into a total home loss.
furthermore the man door, separating the garage into the home, should either be a solid wooden door with a minimum thickness of 1 3/8 inches or a steel, fire-rated door. Unfortunately, thin or hollow-core wooden doors are more common, offering little resistance to fire. Ensuring the man door is fire-rated is vital for effective fire separation.  Fire rating information can be found on the label on the edge of the door.  If the label is missing, it should be assumed the door is not fire rated.  
 A professional home inspection can effectively identify these commonly overlooked defects. 
In multi-unit residences like townhomes and condos, proper fire-rated walls (firewalls) are essential to prevent fire spread between units. These walls, often made of concrete block or doubled drywall, should run from the basement to the roof.
In summary, proper fire separation in garages is a crucial safety measure. While it may not prevent a fire, it can significantly slow its spread, offering precious time for evacuation and firefighters to arrive on the scene. As home inspectors, our advice is always to prioritize these safety features, regardless of the age or style of your home. In the face of a garage fire, every minute counts, and the right precautions mean the difference between a bad day and a disaster.