How do "fire proof" and "fire resistant" differ?

The distinction between "fire proof" and "fire resistant" lies fundamentally in their definitions and practical implications. Fire resistant materials are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist combustion to a certain degree, but they are not impervious to fire. Eventually, under extreme heat or prolonged exposure, fire resistant materials can still burn or degrade. This means that they can provide valuable time for evacuation and reduce the spread of fire, but they do have limits and can be damaged by fire under specific conditions.

In contrast, the concept of "fireproof" suggests an unrealistic expectation that a material can withstand any level of heat without any risk of burning or degradation. Fireproof materials are often treated or engineered to be extremely fire resistant, but the term is somewhat of a misnomer since, practically, no material is completely immune to fire.

This understanding highlights why fire resistant materials can burn eventually while fireproof entails an exaggerated level of protection that does not reflect real-world material characteristics.