Fire separation distance for decks (IRC)

The question of fire separation distance for deck comes up often, and it came up again today. So I threw together this video with a clip from my On-Demand course at BuildingCodeCollege.com

[@TorontoScope]

So hard to find anyone talking about this topic, it's nice to see your video.
I requested to join the facebook group you mentioned but I am not an inspector or builder.. However, I feel like you are knowledgable in this and I am thinking its worth a try to ask you since we have hired an engineering firm and it seems they are making things a lot more difficult. They say yes to something then they change their mind.
We got into a "turn-key" business last year. It is far from it. So we are potentially losing our 2nd season if we don't get building soon.
We have an inn & apparently the fire marshal and inspector will look at this as part 9 in our Canadian Building code.
It all started with changing a unsafe 3 floor deck. Restaurant on first floor. Three units above it on second floor & 3 units on third floor.
We got a permit but we are expected to change windows and doors which we were quoted $25-$30k PER 45 minute fire rated window.
Obviously thinking of alternatives.
My long winded question to you is this:
If we put fire dividers (exterior walls) for each unit, can there be a shared passageway about 4 metres away all along the shared railing, with 2 fire escape exits on both sides?
Been losing sleep over this and everyone involved seems to be stressed.. If you have any answers, I would greatly appreciate this... I might copy & paste it if I get approved in that FB group.
Thanks Glenn!