Which of the following best describes a dead load?

A dead load refers to the static weight that a structure must support, which includes the weight of the building itself as well as any permanent fixtures that are affixed to it. This category encompasses the materials used in the construction, such as walls, roofs, and floors, as well as any built-in features that are integral to the building's structure. Understanding dead loads is crucial for fire fighters and other emergency responders because they impact the stability and structural integrity of a building, especially during incidents such as fires or other emergencies.

Additional furnishings, temporary loads, and external pressures are classified differently. The weight of additional furnishings falls under live loads, which can change over time, while temporary loads refer to objects or weights that can be removed or altered. External pressures, like wind or snow, are considered environmental factors that also affect a structure but are not part of the dead load definition. Thus, recognizing that dead loads consist solely of the permanent weight of the structure itself is essential for evaluating the safety and responses required during operations at a fire scene.