Fire doors can help compartmentalize a building, prevent the spread of smoke and flames, and protect egress routes to allow for safe escape. However, they must be properly specified, installed, and maintained to provide the necessary protection.
Deficiencies must be repaired "without delay." This requirement becomes enforceable when a jurisdiction's fire code references an edition of NFPA 80 published in 2007 or later. The 2009 and 2012 editions of NFPA 101 also require certain egress doors to be inspected annually.