What is the term for the potential fuel available to a fire?

The term "Fire Load" refers to the total amount of combustible materials present in a building that can contribute to a fire. This encompasses all types of materials that can burn, including structural components, furnishings, contents, and other combustibles. Understanding fire load is crucial for fire service professionals as it helps them assess the potential intensity and duration of a fire, as well as the hazards associated with it.

While combustible materials are an important part of the fire load, they represent just one aspect of the total fuel available. Flammable liquids and ignition sources are specific categories within the broader context of fire dynamics but do not capture the overall potential fuel when considering everything that can contribute to a fire. Recognizing fire load helps fire fighters anticipate how a fire may behave in different environments and develop effective strategies for fire suppression and prevention.