What are the primary fire hazards associated with Type II construction?

In Type II construction, which features non-combustible and limited combustible materials (often steel and concrete), the primary fire hazards primarily arise from how these materials interact with fire. One significant hazard is flame impingement on steel. When exposed to high temperatures, steel can lose its structural integrity, weakening dramatically and potentially leading to collapse if the fire isn't controlled properly. This makes it crucial to understand the effects of heat and flame on steel elements in this type of construction.

While content fires (the materials within the structure that can ignite) are also a concern, the specific focus of Type II construction is on the characteristics of the building materials themselves, particularly the behavior of steel when exposed to fire. Understanding this hazard emphasizes the need for proper fire protection measures, such as ensuring distance between fire sources and steel members, utilizing fireproofing materials, and having effective fire suppression systems in place to mitigate the risks associated with flame contact.

Other options may highlight relevant concerns, but they do not capture the critical nature of flame impingement on steel as a primary fire hazard in Type II construction.