Furthermore, there are some disagreements about the details in conducting fire load surveys. With respect to
enclosed combustibles (like combustible items stored in cabinets), a“derating” factor [e.g.15, 32] was introduced in
some but not all surveys. The reason for deration is that people might think that items stored in noncombustible
cabinets would not burn efficiently as those exposed. The spread of a fire in the early stage is influenced by the
arrangement or distribution of combustible materials in the compartment. The layout of these items may vary largely
especially in residential buildings, which is dependent on the occupants’ preference. In a few surveys, floor area
covered by combustibles was reported. But this parameter cannot necessarily reflect to what degree items are
concentrated