What is a major risk associated with improperly handled partially burned papers?

The risk of building fires is a significant concern when dealing with improperly handled partially burned papers. Such materials can still contain flammable substances and smoldering remnants that could ignite if exposed to additional heat or sparks. This poses a considerable fire hazard, particularly in environments where combustible materials are present. Proper disposal or management is crucial to prevent a situation where these burned remains might reignite or contribute to a larger fire in the building.

In contrast, while paper cuts from handling the papers and unpleasant odors from the burned material might be minor inconveniences, they do not carry the same level of risk as the potential for a serious fire incident. Loss of documents can certainly be detrimental but does not involve immediate physical risk to people or property like the threat of fire does. Hence, the danger of building fires is the most critical concern in this scenario.