What does fugitive gas refer to?

Fugitive gas refers specifically to fuel gases that have escaped from a containment system and have the potential to ignite. This phenomenon often occurs in environments where gas is being used or stored, and it's crucial in fire investigations to recognize the risks associated with such gases. Fugitive gases can accumulate in areas where there is poor ventilation, creating hazardous situations that could lead to explosions or fires if an ignition source is present. Understanding this concept is vital for fire investigation professionals as it impacts safety protocols and incident response strategies.

The other choices do not accurately represent the nature of fugitive gases. For instance, gas contained within pipelines does not fit the definition since it suggests that the gas is contained and not escaping. Similarly, gases that are released during combustion refer to different processes, and non-combustible gases in storage do not pose an ignition risk, making those options less relevant to the topic at hand.