Which of the following statements about fuel load is true?

The statement that fuel load includes both contents and the interior finish of a structure is correct. In fire investigation and fire behavior, "fuel load" refers to the total quantity of combustible materials that are available to sustain a fire within a given area. This includes not only structural materials such as wood and drywall but also any contents within the structure, such as furniture, clothing, and personal belongings.

Understanding the fuel load is crucial because it directly influences the intensity and duration of a fire. Investigators assess the fuel load to determine how it might have affected the fire's spread and behavior, helping them reconstruct the events leading to and during the fire incident. Evaluating the entirety of the fuel load is essential for creating accurate fire models and understanding potential fire hazards associated with different occupancies.

Other choices don't address the complete scope of fuel load. For instance, stating it only includes flammable liquids overlooks the variety of combustible materials present in a structure. Focusing solely on structural materials disregards the role of contents, which can significantly impact fire dynamics. Lastly, the idea that fuel load is not relevant to fire behavior is incorrect, as the amount and type of fuel available are critical factors in how a fire develops.