Fire Hazards in Plain Sight: How Plastics Increase Warehouse Fire Risk
When people think of plastic storage, they picture bins, crates, and shrink wrap. But under NFPA 13, many everyday materials are classified as plastics, meaning they burn hotter and faster than expected.
Misclassifying these materials can lead to fire code violations, inadequate fire suppression, and costly upgrades.
Here are some commonly overlooked materials in warehouse storage that are actually classified as plastics.
1. Polyester & Synthetic Fabrics
Clothing and textiles don’t seem like plastic, but polyester, nylon, and acrylic fabrics melt and burn similarly, increasing fire spread.
Example: A warehouse storing polyester t-shirts has a higher fire risk than one storing cotton clothing.
2. Foam Products
Foam feels soft, not like rigid plastic, but most foams are made of polyurethane or polystyrene, which burn extremely fast and produce toxic smoke.
Example: A facility storing memory foam mattresses requires more fire protection than one storing wood furniture.
3. Plastic Pallets & Containers
Pallets are often assumed to be wood, but plastic pallets burn hotter and may require in-rack sprinklers or increased sprinkler density.
Example: A warehouse using plastic totes and pallets has a different hazard classification than one using wood.
4. Rubber Products
Rubber is seen as durable, not flammable, but synthetic rubber, like that used in tires and mats, burns like plastics and requires specialized fire suppression.
Example: A gym equipment warehouse with rubber mats may have a higher fire risk than expected.
5. Shrink Wrap & Stretch Film
Encapsulated storage—when products are wrapped in plastic—traps heat, delaying fire suppression.
Example: A warehouse storing shrink-wrapped cardboard boxes could have a higher hazard classification than loose-stacked boxes.
6. Insulated Panels & Building Materials
People often assume insulation is fire-resistant, but many foam-based insulation panels are highly flammable unless fire-rated.
Example: Warehouses with walk-in coolers or insulated wall panels often require additional fire suppression.
7. Electronics & Plastic Casings
Most focus is on the metal components of electronics, but plastic casings increase fire load.
Example: A fulfillment center storing laptops and chargers may need a different sprinkler system than one storing books.
8. Paper Coated with Plastic
Paper is expected to have a lower fire risk, but coatings like plastic, wax, or foil change how it burns.
Example: A warehouse storing glossy magazines or laminated signage may require different fire protection than one storing standard cardboard.
Why This Matters
Many materials contain plastic components that increase combustibility.
Encapsulated storage traps heat, making fire suppression more difficult.
Misclassifying materials can lead to incorrect sprinkler system assumptions and costly upgrades.
Whether you're a property owner, landlord, or tenant, ensure the fire protection system is properly designed for the specific materials being stored.