When I was last there a few years ago the Phoenix, East Finchley still had a fire tape in the box. Again, I don't Think it was ever used.

In nitrate days the fire shutters over the ports, which should drop automatically by fusible links above each machine served two purposes, to stop the fire spreading to the auditorium, and to prevent the audience from seeing the fire, and panicing.

I have projected nitrate film with carbon arcs.