Which type of occupancy would likely require the highest fire rating for walls?

Assembly occupancy typically requires the highest fire rating for walls due to the nature of its use and the potential for a large number of occupants to gather in one space. This type of occupancy includes places such as theaters, concert halls, and large meeting spaces, where people are often in close proximity to one another.

The higher fire rating is primarily a precautionary measure to enhance safety for occupants. These spaces often have specific exit requirements and are subjected to stricter building codes to ensure safe evacuation in the event of a fire. The materials used and the design of the walls in assembly areas must be capable of providing adequate fire resistance to help contain fire and smoke, thus minimizing the danger to many people gathered in one location.

In contrast, residential, business, and storage occupancies may have different fire safety requirements that do not necessitate the same level of fire wall rating due to factors such as lower occupant load or the nature of the materials stored. Therefore, for assembly occupancies, the walls' fire rating plays a crucial role in safeguarding public safety.