Which of the following is a component of combustion products?

The correct choice identifies solid particulates and ashes as a component of combustion products. When a material undergoes combustion, it doesn't solely produce gases; various physical forms of residue are also created. This includes solid particulates, which might consist of unburned carbon or other materials that are produced as a byproduct of the burning process. Ashes are the non-combustible remnants left after the organic material has completed combustion. The presence of these solids is significant in fire investigations as they can provide crucial information about the material that burnt and the conditions under which combustion occurred.

In contrast, water vapor, while a common product of combustion, represents only one aspect of the broader range of combustion byproducts. Similarly, while metal shavings and fibers can be generated through processes associated with fire, they are not standard components produced specifically by combustion itself. Lastly, stating that only gases are produced overlooks the existence of solids and particulates, which are vital to the understanding of combustion products and their implications in fire analysis.