Which statement about asphalt shingles is FALSE?

Asphalt shingles are indeed combustible materials, which means they can catch fire and sustain combustion under the right conditions. Therefore, it is accurate that they can contribute to fire spread, particularly in a structure fire scenario. When heated, asphalt shingles can melt and drip, allowing fire to potentially spread beneath them or to adjacent materials, making the statement that they do not contribute to fire spread false.

In fire conditions, asphalt shingles can also drip and run, creating not only a hazard in terms of spreading fire but also producing heavy black smoke when they burn. This heavy black smoke is indicative of the burning of petroleum-based products, which are prominent in asphalt. Recognizing these characteristics is vital for firefighters to strategize effectively during fire emergencies involving structures with asphalt roofing.

Thus, understanding these properties of asphalt shingles supports why the statement that they do not contribute to fire spread is indeed false.