The new Lever release provides a simple, positive method of releasing the fire line. Its is easy to use and resistant to jamming. Mechanical leverage of the handle reduces the effort necessary to release a curtain. The handle is captive, eliminating the need for a pull pin that may become lost. The over center design of the lever offers added reliability, ensuring that handle will pull the pin and release the fire line. This overcomes the tendency of some pull ring systems to bind when the fire line is heavily loaded.