How can linoleum contribute to unexpected fire intensity?

Linoleum can contribute to unexpected fire intensity primarily because it can be preheated by repeated fire exposures. When linoleum is subjected to heat from previous fires, its temperature can rise significantly. This preheating can lower the material’s ignition threshold, making it more susceptible to ignition when exposed to flames or even high temperatures from other sources nearby.

Once ignited, linoleum can burn with greater intensity due to the accumulation of heat from the preheated material. The phenomenon of preheating creates a situation where a material can ignite more quickly and burn more intensely than it would under normal conditions, contributing to an increased fire hazard. Understanding this characteristic is especially important for fire instructors, as it reinforces the need for careful assessment of fire exposure history in environments where linoleum is present.