Which hazard category is represented by auto showrooms, parking garages, and retail stores?

The correct choice for the hazard category represented by auto showrooms, parking garages, and retail stores is the ordinary hazard category. This category encompasses structures that typically have a moderate level of hazard due to the presence of commodities that could contribute to fire growth, but not as significant as those found in severe hazard categories.

Auto showrooms and retail stores often contain various combustibles such as display materials, merchandise, and furniture, which have the potential to support the growth of a fire. Parking garages also present a unique hazard due to vehicles, which are flammable, and other potential ignition sources associated with auto maintenance or accidental fuel leaks.

Recognizing these buildings as ordinary hazard is crucial for assessing fire risks and developing appropriate firefighting strategies. In a practical sense, understanding the ordinary hazard classification helps firefighters gauge the potential spread of fire and the necessary resources required for effective suppression efforts.