With an increasing number of fires in residential buildings, more and more homeowners are opting to replace their regular doors with what they believe to be "fire doors" during home renovations. However, a recent investigation by reporters has revealed a troubling reality: many so-called fire doors on the market are not as safe or effective as advertised. In fact, some of these products contain flammable materials like polyurethane foam, which can actually worsen a fire rather than prevent it. Despite national standards that have been in place for years, both sellers and consumers often struggle to distinguish real fire doors from fake ones, leaving the public confused about what truly qualifies as a "fire door."

Confusion Over Fire Door Types

Citizen Xiao Zheng, who is currently renovating his home, recently tried to purchase a fire door but was overwhelmed by the variety of options available. He found steel anti-theft doors claiming to have fire protection features, and even solid wood doors advertising themselves as "fire-resistant." The question remains: what defines a true fire door? Are there clear national guidelines? Xiao Zheng is far from alone in his confusion.

During a visit to a local door market near Jiefang Square, reporters observed that different vendors had varying interpretations of what constitutes a fire door. One seller recommended three types of doors—stainless steel, iron, and wood—claiming all could offer fire protection. When asked how a wooden door could provide such protection, the seller explained that it was coated with a fireproof layer. Another vendor joked that since kitchen stoves are made of stainless steel, they must be fire-resistant. When asked for product certifications, the seller admitted he had none.

In another shop, the merchant gave a slightly more professional explanation, stating that fire doors were either "certified" or "unlicensed." Certified Class B doors cost 530 yuan per square meter, while Class A doors went for 680 yuan. Unlicensed versions were much cheaper at 230 yuan. However, many merchants lacked basic knowledge of fire door standards, with some believing that any iron door was automatically fireproof, while others equated fire doors with composite doors. This lack of understanding is mirrored among ordinary consumers.

Flammable Materials in "Fire Doors"

At a store near the Golden Triangle, a seller opened two fire doors to show their internal structure. Inside, the doors were filled with plastic foam, and the outer shell was made of steel. The seller claimed the filler was polyurethane foam, a material known for its low fire resistance. According to a staff member from the city’s quality supervision department, polyurethane foam is highly flammable and releases toxic smoke when burned. Reports indicate that most "fire doors" advertised as having fire-resistant properties actually use this dangerous material.

In a newly built community in the city, inspectors discovered that some so-called "fire doors" installed according to national standards contained cardboard and sponge as fillers. A manufacturer's representative admitted that many of the doors on the market only meet household door standards and do not provide any real flame-retardant function. Experts warn that even unqualified fire doors may not catch fire immediately, but their fire resistance time is far below required levels—often falling short by an hour or more.

Why Are Fire Doors Hard to Detect?

According to reports, China currently faces a fragmented regulatory system for fire doors. The production sector is overseen by the quality supervision department, while distribution falls under the industry and commerce department. Fire control acceptance is managed by the fire department. However, inspections typically focus on appearance and craftsmanship rather than actual fire resistance testing. "The fire department lacks the technical means to test fire doors," one official said. "The inspection process is complex and costly—over 20,000 yuan per door, which is more than the price of the door itself."

Additionally, some developers prioritize cost over safety, leading to a competitive market where manufacturers cut corners to keep prices low. This creates a cycle where substandard products continue to flood the market.

To ensure safety, fire doors must be filled with non-combustible materials, and for high-rise buildings, Class A fire doors are required for floors 18 and below. Key inspection indicators include the fire resistance limit, which determines how long the door can withstand flames. Beyond just being a door, fire doors should also help prevent the spread of fire and smoke, giving people more time to evacuate safely.

How to Identify a Real Fire Door:

· Remove the "cat's eye" and check the filler material inside; genuine fire doors should be filled with non-flammable substances.

· Look for a "expansion seal" on the door frame, which helps prevent smoke and heat from passing through.

· Check the weight—real fire doors are heavier and produce a solid sound when tapped, unlike hollow ones.

· Verify the presence of technical information such as product marks, quality certification, and type approval labels.