Final answer:
Materials should be stored at least 18 inches away from fire door openings to ensure the door operates properly during a fire and that paths of egress are not blocked. Flash points indicate the temperature at which materials can ignite; materials with low flash points near fire doors are particularly risky.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to safety regulations concerning the storage of materials near fire door openings. It's important to understand that to ensure safety in case of a fire, materials must not impede the function of fire doors. Although specific codes can vary by location, a common rule is to keep materials at least 18 inches away from the fire door opening to allow the door to function properly during an emergency, ensuring that the path of egress is not blocked and that fire spread is minimized. Keeping materials too close to a fire door can be hazardous, especially if those materials have low flash points. For instance, materials with a flash point below 73 °F are at a high risk of igniting quickly in the heat of a fire.
It is also relevant to note the context provided in regards to heat efficiency, such as using a wood stove, which is a measure to prevent heat loss through the chimney. This could be mentioned to underscore the importance of well-regulated heat sources in the vicinity of flammable materials and fire doors.