Buildings shall be automatically sprinkled where the area for the storage of tires exceeds how many cubic feet?

The correct answer indicates that buildings must be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system when the storage area for tires exceeds 20,000 cubic feet. This requirement is rooted in fire safety regulations aimed at minimizing the risk of fire hazards associated with tire storage. Tires are made of materials that can ignite easily and produce significant amounts of toxic smoke and heat when burning.

By enforcing the installation of sprinkler systems for storage areas exceeding this threshold, the code aims to enhance fire suppression capabilities, limit fire spread, and protect both the property and surrounding spaces. The specific figure of 20,000 cubic feet has been established based on historical data and fire incident analysis, balancing the need for safety with practical implementation considerations for fire prevention. This standard plays an essential role in ensuring that adequate protective measures are in place for potentially hazardous storage conditions.

Other thresholds, like 15,000, 25,000, or 30,000 cubic feet, do not align with the established guidelines for automatic sprinkling requirements and thus fall outside the recognized safety standards for tire storage.