Abstract: Most rural buildings have smaller fire separation distance and lower fire-resistant levels. Now more and more rural residence is changed to a place of business, such as homestay inn. When the function is changed, the fire risk will increase because of evacuation difficulty and higher fire load. This paper applies performance-based fire design method to rural buildings. Performance-based fire design of a typical rural homestay inn was carried out. Uses theoretical calculation and numerical simulation methods, the safety of evacuation, fire spread and structure were analyzed. The strategy of adding automatic fire alarm device, setting self closing door, installing insulated fire window, adding noncombustible ceiling etc. were suggested. The strategy can decrease fire risk, increase fire safety, and provide a guide for the application of performance-based fire design in rural buildings.

Key words: rural building, homestay inn, performance-based fire design