What does fire resistance refer to?

Fire resistance specifically refers to a material or structure's ability to withstand exposure to fire and maintain its structural integrity for a specified period of time. This means that the construction can protect against fire without losing strength, allowing it to safely support loads and prevent collapse, which is critical in maintaining safety during fire events.

The other options provide a narrower understanding of fire-related concepts. While "resistance to heat until a specific time" suggests the duration that materials can endure heat, it does not fully address structural integrity. Similarly, the "ability to withstand extreme temperatures" hints at a broader capability but lacks the specific focus on the conditions of a fire situation. "Resistance to ignition only" pertains to the initial avoidance of fire, which is just one aspect of fire safety and does not account for the role materials play during an active fire scenario, such as maintaining structural form and function.