What does "fire load" refer to?

The term "fire load" specifically refers to the total amount of combustible material present in a building. This includes all materials that can burn, such as furniture, paper, textiles, and any other substances that contribute to the potential fuel for a fire. Understanding fire load is crucial for assessing fire risks, designing fire protection systems, and planning for fire safety measures within a structure.

High fire load increases the risk of a fire's intensity and duration, necessitating more effective fire suppression and containment strategies. It helps fire marshals and safety professionals evaluate how much heat a fire might generate and how it would spread, guiding decisions on construction materials, occupancy limits, and fire prevention protocols.