A lead system for a fire/smoke protection device that enables deployment/retraction of the device's flexible protection member relative to a building wall opening and improves the member's resistance to forces. The system comprises lead guides for guiding the flexible protection member between storage and protection configurations, for permitting stretching when a force is applied, and for transferring forces to the building. The guides are configured with the flexible protection member to slidably receive member loops extending about lead members. The guides and lead members are also configured to allow lead member movement and permit elastic deformation or destruction of connections between certain internal guide components, when a force is exerted on the flexible protection member. Additionally, the system comprises one or more members configured with a flexible protection member having a bar to enable bar movement during stretching of the flexible protection member responsive to a force.