Which type of construction relies heavily on combustible materials?

The type of construction that relies heavily on combustible materials is Type 5 construction, often referred to as "wood-frame construction." This classification encompasses buildings that primarily use wood or other combustible materials for their structural support and walls. Such constructions are common in residential buildings like single-family homes and small apartment complexes.

Type 5 structures typically consist of non-fire-resistant materials, which can lead to quicker fire spread and more intense burning compared to other construction types that utilize more non-combustible or fire-resistant materials. As a result, understanding the characteristics of Type 5 construction is crucial for firefighters, as it demands different strategies for prevention and suppression due to the inherent risks posed by the combustibility of the materials used.

In contrast, other types of construction, such as Type 1 or Type 2, are designed to be more fire-resistant, utilizing concrete, steel, and fire-retardant materials that slow down the spread of fire and increase the structural integrity against fire damage. Type 3 construction combines both, using a mix of combustible and non-combustible materials, which offers some advantages over Type 5 but does not provide the same level of fire resistance as Types 1 and 2.