To limit the probability of direct exposure of the elevator door interlock mechanism to fire, which could lead to the failure of the interlock mechanism and the opening or partial opening of the elevator doors during the time required for emergency responders to perform their duties, which could lead to the failure of the elevator operating mechanism, which could lead to the elevators not operating as intended, which could lead to delays or inefficiencies in fire emergency response operations, which could lead to the spread of fire to other parts of the building, which could lead to damage to the building.