Certified Fire Investigator Practice Exam

What is the temperature range of cigarette embers produced from puffing?

1. 800-900 F

2. 1050-1150 F

3. 1520-1670 F

4. 2000-2100 F

The correct answer is: 1520-1670 F

Cigarette embers produced from puffing typically reach a temperature range of approximately 1520-1670 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is critical when considering the ignition potential of materials nearby. The heat generated from these embers can be sufficient to ignite combustible materials, which makes it important in fire investigations to understand how tobacco products can contribute to fire scenarios. The other temperature ranges listed, while high, do not accurately reflect the common temperatures associated with cigarette embers. Lower temperatures might not provide enough heat for ignition, while those exceeding 1700 degrees Fahrenheit are indicative of more intense heat sources, such as those found in various combustion processes or other types of burning materials, not the embers from a cigarette. Understanding these temperatures helps in assessing fire behavior and potential risk factors when investigating fire incidents involving smoking materials.