This study investigated the ignition time of selected ceiling materials with the view to know the responses of the materials to flame if it is spontaneous or not and to report their suitability for use. In this study sample of polyvinylchloride (PVC) and plant originated ceiling materials from western and northern parts of Nigeria were used. PVC samples experienced spontaneous ignition due to their coating. 50 g of each sample was combusted in a purged local combustion stove. Thermocouple was used in measuring their temperatures at equal intervals. The residual sample mass was weighed with an electronic balance. The result showed that the ignitions of plant originated ceiling were spontaneous producing less mass loss and char when compared to those observed in case of PVC. The latter ignition time was attributed to its coating that ignited. Asbestos was unresponsive to the combustion process but it became brittle. It would have been an excellent fire-retardant ceiling material if not for the resultant health hazard called asbestosis. The minimum grand time for rescue
operation while entering and leaving a fire compartment was 85
