• Fire is an important concern at nuclear plants because it has the potential to affect critical systems needed to safely maintain and shut down the reactor.
• Nuclear plants have comprehensive fire protection systems, equipment and procedures to ensure safety. When any one system is out of service, utilities must take appropriate compensatory measures.
• Prevention is the first line of defense. Utilities operate many programs to manage combustible materials and ignition sources.
• The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires plants to apply specific fire protection features (e.g., fire barriers and detection and suppression systems) and establish safe shutdown procedures in the unlikely event that a fire becomes large enough to damage equipment and electrical cables.
• Dramatic changes are enhancing the continuing focus on plant safety. Rather than a “one-size-fits-all” standard, fire safety regulations have recently changed to provide approaches that allow performance-based and risk-informed methods.

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