Context

Different fuels have different properties. The amount of energy stored in a fuel varies based on the fuel itself. Synthetic, or man-made fuels may have 2-3 times more stored energy per pound than a natural fuel such as wood. Higher-energy fuels tend to generate more smoke. As we can observe, the campfire has significantly less smoke than the burning piece of furniture made from foam plastics.

Learn more about how UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute observes and demonstrates the impact of furnishing materials on flashover times.