What is the primary reason to handle partially burned papers carefully?

Handling partially burned papers carefully is essential primarily to prevent possible ignition. When materials have been exposed to heat or flames, even if they appear to be mostly intact, they can still retain smoldering elements or flammable residues. These remnants can ignite again if they come into contact with a spark, open flame, or sufficient heat, leading to a potential fire hazard.

While preserving the documents is important, the immediate concern when dealing with partially burned materials is the risk of fire. The materials may not be fully extinguished and could easily reignite, especially in the presence of other combustible materials. Hence, exercising caution and careful handling is critical to mitigate fire risks rather than focusing solely on the preservation or appearance of the documents.