Type II construction is characterized as?

Type II construction is characterized as non-combustible construction. This classification includes buildings constructed with materials that do not readily ignite and have a higher resistance to fire than those used in other types of construction. Structures built under Type II standards typically use non-combustible materials for most of the exterior walls and structural components, such as concrete or steel. This aspect plays a crucial role in fire safety, as it helps to prevent the spread of fire and reduces the likelihood of structural collapse during a fire incident.

In contrast, heavy timber construction, which is often associated with Type IV, involves significant amounts of wood but is designed to perform well in fire situations due to the mass of the heavy timber components. Fire-resistant structures, which might seem similar to Type II, refer specifically to the rating of materials used rather than the overall construction methodology. Meanwhile, wood construction aligns more closely with Type V, which allows for more combustible materials and is generally less resilient to fire. This distinction is essential for understanding the different types of construction utilized in firefighting operations.