What is a critical factor when applying water to fires in stacked materials?

Maintaining structural stability is a crucial factor when applying water to fires in stacked materials due to the unique challenges posed by their arrangement. Stacked materials can create complex fire behavior that may affect the structural integrity of the building or materials involved. When water is applied, it can add weight and potentially destabilize the piles or stacks, leading to collapses if the structural integrity is compromised.

Properly managing how water is applied helps ensure that the materials do not shift unexpectedly, which can pose risks to firefighters and hinder effective firefighting efforts. This is particularly important in situations where materials are stacked vertically or in a manner that may be unstable under the influence of water. Therefore, understanding how water application affects the structural stability of stacked materials is essential for safe and effective fire suppression.