In which type of occupancy is a higher fire load typically present?

Industrial facilities typically present a higher fire load due to the nature of the materials and processes involved in manufacturing and production. These facilities often contain large quantities of combustible materials such as chemicals, packaging, and machinery that may generate or utilize flammable substances. Additionally, industrial operations can produce considerable heat and involve processes that may ignite fires more easily than in other types of occupancies.

In contrast, residential buildings generally have a lower fire load, with standard furnishings and construction materials. Office buildings also tend toward a lower fire load, as they primarily house electronic equipment, furnishings, and paper products, but do not usually contain the same level of combustible materials found in industrial settings. Educational facilities tend to have a mix of furnishings similar to offices and a lower quantity of high-risk materials, which contributes to a relatively lower fire load compared to industrial facilities.

The combination of these factors makes industrial facilities distinctively prone to higher fire loads, emphasizing the critical need for stringent fire inspection and safety measures in such environments.