What type of materials are included in combustibles?

Combustibles refer to materials that can ignite and burn under certain conditions. Wood and paper products are classic examples of combustible materials because they contain organic compounds that readily catch fire and support combustion. These materials contribute to fuel loads in various environments, such as construction sites or storage facilities, and understanding their characteristics is crucial for fire safety.

In contrast, plastics and metals are not typically categorized solely as combustibles. While certain plastics can burn, they may not do so as readily as wood or paper, and metals generally do not ignite in a traditional sense. Glass and ceramics have high melting points and are non-combustible, meaning they do not support combustion. Water and foam are extinguishing agents used in fire suppression and do not qualify as combustible materials, as they are intended to prevent fires rather than burn. Hence, the inclusion of wood and paper products as combustibles aligns accurately with definitions used in fire safety and torch operations.