Which factor could potentially lead to injury or loss of life in fire incidents?

Change of occupancy can significantly impact the safety and fire safety protocols in a building. When a space is converted from one type of use to another, it may not be equipped with appropriate fire safety measures for the new occupancy's needs. For instance, a building that was originally designed as a warehouse may not have the same fire protection systems or egress plans that would be necessary for a residential occupancy. This lack of suitable fire safety adaptations can lead to increased risks, such as inadequate evacuation routes or insufficient fire suppression systems, which could subsequently result in higher chances of injury or loss of life during a fire incident.

In contrast, the presence of fire alarms, low fuel loads, and open egress paths generally contribute to enhancing safety during fire situations. Fire alarms provide early warning, allowing for timely evacuation; low fuel loads reduce the intensity of potential fires; and open egress paths facilitate safe escape routes.